Mercer University, Regional Academic Center, GA

New $5M Prototype Classroom Facility for Adult Education, sited to integrate with local dining resources for students and hotels for conferees, with continuous connection to nature.

This project for Mercer University created a stand-alone "Regional Academic Center" with state-of-the-art flexible classrooms, offices and an admissions area, a bookstore, lounge and conference space. From anywhere in the building every student, teacher and conferee can see out of the building to a natural landscape of great beauty. The classrooms were designed with windows which create a peaceful connection to the outdoors, but sized so that the emotional space was created for the intimate activity of teaching.


Michael Patrick worked closely with Dean of program to create a state-of-the-art facility for adult learners. The building was designed to sit on a ridge overlooking golf course, woods and pond, with views of nature available from all locations in the building. This project transformed the adult education program at Mercer University by creating a beautiful place for both classes and out-of-classroom interactions. Natural light, large classrooms with flexible layouts, and places for faculty and students to meet and mingle all made the building a great success for the University. Classrooms also double as rentable conference spaces.


Architect: Leo A Daly, with Michael Patrick as Leo A Daly's Design Director of the Atlanta office and project design architect responsible for building design.