Replacing an existing building in a tightly constrained urban environment requires careful planning before construction begins. For MICA’s Dolphin Design Center, Southway joined the project early to evaluate the options for the site and help the college determine the best path forward.

Southway developed preliminary estimates comparing the costs and challenges of renovating the existing building with those of pursuing a new facility. By outlining the implications of each approach, Southway gave MICA the information needed to make an informed decision that ultimately supported its vision for a new, modern design center. Once MICA selected a new building, Southway developed a carefully coordinated demolition plan to safely execute the work.

The new 22,868-square-foot Dolphin Design Center provides classrooms, seminar spaces, computer and fabrication labs, offices, and fabrication support areas, creating a modern facility designed to support MICA’s evolving academic and creative programs.

Awards:
AIA Maryland Award of Merit (2019)