The Florida A&M University School of Architecture M.Arch studio has been contracted by the City Of Tallahassee and the local public transit agency, Star Metro, to explore how an historic bus terminal can be repurposed to better serve the needs of a changing city.  Once the ‘hub’ at which almost every bus rider had to make a transfer, new more efficient routes have given C. K. Steele Plaza a chance to play a new role in the city. The studio will provide a series of alternative development concepts for the plaza and the surrounding area. Short-term visions will examine the plaza as it exists and suggest ways to begin its transition to an urban mixed-use facility, potentially including a State of Florida Civil Rights Museum. The studio is directed by Professor Michael Alfano, Jr..

The School’s Division of Architecture is also conducting an Analysis of Green Building Technologies study for the URS Corporation.  URS is the Institutional Services provider for the 4,200-acre Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The KSC complex includes 900 mission-specific facilities, many of which are being replaced by new structures, or modified to accommodate new activities. The FAMU project team, led by Assoc. Professor Thomas Pugh, includes both faculty and graduate students. Among other topics, the team has investigated several LEED certified buildings in the vicinity of the KSC as case studies, as well as materials or technologies that show potential for beneficial and practical use in this area.

The School has also been awarded a grant from the FAMU Green Coalition that brings together its Division of Architecture with its Division of Engineering Technology. Antonio Soares, an Electronics Professor in the Division of Engineering Technology will lead the project to design and construct a solar charging station for students to recharge their phones, tablets, and laptops.  The project will include faculty and students from the architecture, construction and electronics programs.  When completed late in 2013, the station will be a point for students to meet up, charge up, and wise up to solar power and sustainability.