Ballinger completed a Capital Project master plan focused on assessing the impact of the planned increase in veterinary class size and its effects on the existing College of Veterinary Medicine campus facilities.

The Master Plan focused on the College’s main issues including culture and identity, the vision for the future, existing pedagogy and pedagogical goals, student activity in research and clinical practice, and utilization of existing facilities.

In addition to interviews with faculty and staff, Ballinger analyzed campus growth, facility circulation, program distribution and building systems. The analysis concluded that major public spaces, lounges and study rooms were necessary to enhance the sense of community and student culture, along with the addition of lecture halls and an auditorium. Ballinger proposed a detailed space program, multi-phased strategy and concept master plan based on the Capital Project master plan’s conclusions.

The master plan led to the East Campus Research Facility, which contributes to the College of Veterinary Medicine’s campus growth and contextual identity. The building is the first of two major hubs that provide housing and procedure space, in a “suite” concept, for the barrier (transgenic) facility on one level, and for “conventional” animals, including larger species, on two other levels. The building links directly to an existing research tower creating synergies between the two.