ESa

University of Tennessee Knoxville – Presidential Court

University of Tennessee Knoxville – Presidential Court

Originally built in 1967 as a dining hall anchoring the University of Tennessee’s residential campus, this building is being reimagined as a hub for student life, administration and campus operations. The renovation balances preservation and innovation, retaining the building’s iconic concrete structure, brick, and glass block exterior while introducing high-performance

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The Hub for Innovators, Veterans and Entrepreneurs (HIVE) breathes new life into Winchester’s historic 1940 armory, transforming the former National Guard training site and community gathering place into a dynamic center for learning and service. After stabilizing and restoring the 18,000-square-foot structure with careful masonry repair, new roofing, and historically sensitive windows, the design team reimagined the gymnasium as a suite of cutting-edge incubator and academic spaces, including immersive learning labs, maker areas and a mezzanine connected to the E-Sports arena. The adjacent armory is being repurposed as a dedicated Veterans Center offering counseling, employment support and community resources. A striking new glass addition, the Collaboratory, complements the historic architecture while housing the Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning (SCiL) and providing flexible event space. Blending preservation with innovation, the HIVE honors its military heritage while supporting Shenandoah University’s evolving academic vision. Photo: Eric Laignel

ESa (Earl Swensson Associates)

Founded in 1961 and located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, ESa celebrates their past and looks toward the future by creating environments across the country that shapes lives.

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The exterior of Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University, designed by ESa. Photo: Jeremiah Hull

Interprofessional Medical Education Design

What is your background and your current role? I’ve been with ESa for 19 years and currently serve as a principal, with a key interest in medical education spaces. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of spaces in this sector, from science labs

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Moravian University – Haupert Union Building (HUB)

Moravian University – Haupert Union Building (HUB)

The Haupert Union Building (HUB) at Moravian University, originally completed in 1962, is undergoing a major renovation and expansion to meet modern student needs. The new HUB will feature enhanced student lounges, meeting rooms, a wellness center, a conference center, and various student organization suites. The renovation aims to improve

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Trevecca Nazarene University Jernigan Student Center Dining Hall, Nashville, TN. Photo: Gabe Ford, Ford Photography

The Importance of Reusing and Reinventing Existing Buildings

Why is it important to reinvigorate/reinvent existing structures? Sustainability and a connection to the campus history are two reasons why it’s imperative that we look at re-using or reinventing existing buildings. The simplest sustainable strategy in architecture is to reuse existing structures, rather than developing on greenfield sites. Rehabilitation connects

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