Pond has received an Outstanding Project Award for excellence in educational facility design in the Fall 2017 edition of Learning by Design, the premier source for education design innovation and excellence. The Midlands Technical College, Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Crafts Center in West Columbia, SC, was recognized for its architectural and interior design and for having benchmark-type attributes worthy of imitation. The Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Crafts Center provides a sense of identity and is a destination for traditional and continuing education students pursuing accreditation or degrees in industrial trades.

Originally a nondescript warehouse, the center was transformed into a landmark campus building on a modest budget. The building features code improvements and new building systems such as plumbing, HVAC electrical, telecommunications and fire protection measures. The pre-engineered interior appearance is minimized through the use of natural-looking materials, ceiling clouds, luxury vinyl planking, and warm colors; textured wall panels create visual interest and a focal point for students.

Exposed building components and systems serve as teaching and learning opportunities, and extensive use of glass in the design introduces light and transparency, creating connectivity and encouraging hands-on learning and interdisciplinary learning opportunities. The overall design creates a programmatic and visual impact on the Industrial Trades Program and promotes collaborative learning through classrooms that simulate real-world working environments and enhance students’ training and marketability.