Florida State University
IN-3: Innovation 3

With over 14 million square feet of space, the University frequently has the need to renovate existing space to accommodate new programs, address life-safety/building code issues, and update building systems. Standard policies and procedures are in place to manage the process internally and efficiently. FSU's multiple study abroad locales across the world present unique opportunities for all types of space needs and issues. Recently, the Valencia, Spain program expanded it's facilities by acquiring a historic building that required much renovation but still had to meet local preservation standards. The renovation work transformed a building originally constructed in the Middle Ages into a contemporary living and learning environment. The specialized work allowed the University to retain and enhance the cultural and historic aspects of the building and integrate green technologies into the space.

Preservation of the cultural and historic features of the building. For example, the original red brick walls that date from around 1850 have also been kept in the ground floor, classrooms and even in the apartments of the students.