Tiffin University, Center for Innovation and Learning
Type of Construction
Design Build
Square Footage
30,350
Construction Cost
$9,200,000
The Center for Innovation and Learning (CIL) at Tiffin University represents a bold step forward in the evolution of campus architecture and pedagogy. As one of the largest capital investments in the university’s history, the new facility is designed not only to meet current academic needs but to adapt to the shifting landscape of higher education. Strategically located at the heart of campus, the CIL serves as both a functional academic hub and a symbolic centerpiece—offering flexible, technology-rich spaces that foster interdisciplinary learning, collaboration, and innovation.
The site posed unique challenges, including steep topography, proximity to a high-speed industrial route, and adjacency to historic campus structures. In response, the building’s envelope was carefully engineered to reduce vibration and sound intrusion while maximizing daylight and transparency. A blend of traditional brick and modern paneling allows the building to integrate sensitively with its surroundings while expressing a distinctly contemporary identity. Prominent stair towers and illuminated learning zones anchor the structure within its context, providing intuitive wayfinding and a strong visual presence both day and night.
Interior spaces are defined by adaptability, with classrooms and labs designed to support both traditional and hybrid-flex learning models. Modular layouts, reconfigurable furniture, and integrated technology infrastructure allow instructional areas to evolve with changing enrollment patterns and programmatic needs. Extended learning zones throughout the building encourage informal collaboration, while high-performance materials and modern furnishings promote a student-centered, future-ready environment. The design balances durability with inspiration, creating a flexible academic facility built for long-term institutional resilience.
Delivered at a cost of $9.2 million for 30,350 square feet, the CIL is a cost-effective, high-impact addition to Tiffin University’s campus. It reflects strategic stewardship of resources while delivering a transformative academic environment for students, faculty, and the broader community. As both a physical landmark and a platform for innovation, the Center for Innovation and Learning embodies the university’s mission to prepare students for a rapidly changing world—setting a new standard for design excellence in higher education.
