a first in Dubai
When Michigan State University decided to open the first American university in the Dubai International Academic City, they turned to the experts at SHW Group to design a unique space that would encourage student interaction while creating exchanges between the various academic programs. With more than 220 programs on all continents, MSU is ranked the top public university in America for study abroad by the Institute of International Education. The new campus in Dubai will offer full degree programs, so the design had to reflect their world-class approach and reputation and welcome all cultures.

challenging floorplan and a compressed schedule
The task was to create a set of interactive, flexible spaces for MSU’s undergraduate and graduate programs within approximately 42,000 square feet of space. Because of highly accelerated development schedules in Dubai, the challenge was to provide design documents in less than two months while planning and programming at the same time. In collaboration with visionary clients, SHW designers were able to provide programming, conceptual design, schematic design and design development, including mechanical, electrical and architectural development, within the tight time frame.

uniquely interactive and flexible
The result was a concept that is predicated on the diverse cultures coming together and interacting in an MSU environment. At the center of the space is the “origin” – an interactive space where students from the various programs can collaborate, share learning experiences, and develop relationships.

This origin is defined by two curved screens that transition from shelving and semi-private partitions for open group study to seating and a technology bar next to the café. Spreading from the origin are private study carousels and glass-encased, technology-equipped group study rooms for quiet learning. All of these spaces maximize the corridor and circulation areas while catering to various learning styles and encouraging interaction. With this interaction, a social energy is created which ripples throughout the surrounding flexible learning environments, further reinforcing the discovery of the students who will be attending the university.

Through the use of materials and a dynamic building language, the space enhances the learning experience through interaction and cultural exchange. These ideals align with MSU’s goal to increase student attraction and retention and SHW’s goal of going beyond the basic needs and creating an enhanced educational experience for all who will attend the university.

about the Academic City
The Dubai International Academic City, often called “the world’s only free zone dedicated to international higher education,” was established in 2006 to address the enormous demands for higher education in a nation noted for its growing positive regional and world influence. Located about 20 minutes from the Dubai business district, the Academic City spans 25 million square feet and is dedicated solely to universities and colleges. Eight million square feet has been dedicated to the international higher education zone, while three million square feet will be allocated for research and development centers.