Re-defining Security Standards while Blending Campus Police Station with Innovative Training Facility
Gainesville, FL, June 26, 2023 – Recently, Schenkel Shultz celebrated the grand opening of the highly anticipated University of Florida (UF) Public Safety Building.
Located on UF’s main campus in Gainesville, Florida the $20.5 million building ushers in a new era in campus security, housing all police and emergency functions under one roof. The project serves as a beacon of safety and transparency for the University with an exterior design that evokes the image of a protective shield.
“This project consolidates thirteen departments, including a dispatch center, patrol offices, and an emergency operations center for to support proactive, reactive and education law enforcement,” said Schenkel Shultz Partner and Design Lead, Ekta Desai. “In addition to creating a highly functional workspace, sustainability takes center stage. With reduced infiltration, solar shading, and a highly compact footprint, the Public Safety Building is designed and built as a high-performance building.”
Desai and Project Manager, Kasey Teimouri, created a law-enforcement headquarters doubling as a teaching tool – enabling comprehensive defense tactics training while fostering security awareness. A ground-floor community room serves as a campus armature providing a dynamic asset for students, university employees, and Alachua County residents. The versatile room will host training sessions, public meetings and extends to an existing bus stop to serve as protected shade for students while providing ease of access to the public.
The northern lobby and community room look into a new public plaza at the corner of Newell and Museum, a prominent campus gateway and intersection. The plaza playfully integrates a flag court and curated seating elements, crafted from salvaged brick from the 1928 original structure, where the agency originally resided.
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About Schenkel Shultz
As a member of the Central Florida community for 40 years and headquartered in Downtown Orlando, Schenkel Shultz is committed to inspiring the community through impactful design. The architecture and interior design firm has built a legacy of success through a continued focus on design excellence that responds to the distinct needs of each client. Rooted in critical thinking, research, collaboration, and personal experiences, the firm is passionate about design and creating meaningful community partnerships.
For more information contact Beth Cocchiarella at Six The Agency. bethc@sixtheagency.com
