Renowned Firm Cooper Robertson Selected for Master Planning of Drury University's Growing Campus

NEW YORK, April 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Acclaimed architecture and urban design firm Cooper Robertson has announced its selection to develop a new vision and master plan for Drury University, as the leading academic institution opens a new chapter in its history.

The master-planning initiative, which will help reshape and enhance the Drury University campus and its surroundings, is part of a three-pronged action plan underway at the 3,570-student, private liberal arts college in Springfield, Missouri. Led by Drury University's president, Dr. J. Timothy Cloyd, the school is undertaking the new master plan, repositioning undergraduate degree programs, and initiating a campaign to fund new buildings and improvements to mark its 150th anniversary.

The selection of Cooper Robertson follows on new mission and strategic development by Cloyd, whose past work has been chronicled by The New York Times. Cooper Robertson is active on many campuses including Longwood University, University of Delaware, North Carolina State, and Lyford Cay International School. The firm has also developed long-term plans and designed buildings for Ohio State, University of North Carolina, Cal Tech, Yale University, Hunter College, and Georgetown, among others.

"We are delighted to have the involvement of Cooper Robertson with our leadership team and other experts supporting Drury University's new initiatives," said Drury University's Cloyd. "As Drury moves into a new era, it will be crucial for us to craft a vision of our physical campus that not only reflects our academic values, but enhances our profile regionally and nationally."

The backdrop for this campus planning initiative is Cloyd's Strategic Positioning Platform, which includes recruiting of world-class talent to Springfield to lead the intellectual process in leveraging its physical assets, local connections and excellent national reputation, to achieve the best outcomes through broad engagement and focused creativity.

As a first step, in coming weeks Drury University will host a charrette--its first of several collaborative idea-sessions to inform the master-planning process--with campus leaders and community groups. "In this process, the University and other stakeholders become part of the design team, taking part in a shared design vision and exploration," says John Kirk, AIA, a partner with Cooper Robertson.

Cooper Robertson has earned wide acclaim for its campus projects, and its work on New York's Battery Park City reimagined an entire swath of waterfront not far from Wall Street. One critic noted, "There are few firms in the United States, perhaps the world, with such a broad range of work completed with incomparable finesse."

"The new campus master plan will help make lasting, memorable connections, over time weaving the campus together, allowing for cohesive expansion, and connecting to surrounding communities," says Kirk. "This will help make Drury University a world-class destination, school of choice and memorable place for all who live and visit here."

CONTACT: Chris Sullivan, 914-462-2096

SOURCE Cooper Robertson