In a press release, the Global Education Studio of RMJM, the international design firm, said it has been selected by the Organisation for the Development of Administrative Centres (ODAC) to design the two new college campuses in Libya. The new campuses, for the 7th of October University at Bani Walid and Al Asmariya University at Zliten, are part of a major expansion of higher education facilities implemented by the Ministry of Education for Libya.
Founded in 1984, 7th of October University currently serves approximately 20,000 students and is located in the town of Misurata, approximately 120 miles east of the capital of Tripoli. RMJM is designing a master plan for a new 123-acre branch campus at Bani Walid, approximately three hours inland from the main campus. The satellite campus will serve roughly 3,200 students from surrounding communities and offer academic programs in language, business, education and medical technology.
The Bani Walid project comprises 1.8 million square feet of buildings including academic facilities, a mosque, student center, library, athletic facilities and housing for faculty and students. Construction is slated to begin in 2009 with an opening date of 2010.
Al Asmariya University in Zlitin, about 100 miles east of Triopli on the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, was founded in 1981 and is one of the most renowned Islamic universities in Libya.
RMJM is designing a master plan for a 222-acre branch campus of Al Asmariya University, which is about six miles outside Zliten.
The branch campus will ultimately serve 4,600 students from the surrounding area and offer academic programs in Arabic, law, Islam and religious studies, finance, economics, medicine and graduate studies.
The first phase of construction, about 1 million square feet, will bring 2,800 students to campus.
The Zliten campus will include a mosque, library, student center and main administration building. Key elements include larger lecture theaters and common spaces where students and faculty will meet and exchange ideas.
Construction of the Zliten campus is anticipated to start in about a year and the full campus will take about three years to build.
"In its effort to expand its higher education system, Libya is drawing from some of the best campus models around the world – Ivy League and world-class institutions," said Gordon Hood, Director of RMJM’s Global Education Studio. "Our goal is to design a modern sustainable campus appropriate for Libya’s culture, tradition and climate."
Ali Dibaiba, Chairman of ODAC describes the new campus at Bani Walid as a project focused on the advancement of knowledge for the people of Libya.
Dr. Mustafa Mezughi, Project Director for ODAC commented: “Inspiration for the design of the Bani Walid campus master plan came from the desert rose, a naturally occurring silica crystal.
The planning theme was also informed by the nearby town of Ghadames, where sunken courtyards are a natural cooling device and help irrigate the perimeter oasis.
The campus’ compact design is driven by issues of sustainability, and the design team anticipates incorporating more sustainable building technologies and strategies as the design progresses. "
ODAC has allocated over $35 billion to improve Libya’s infrastructure, diversify its economy and enhance the quality of life for its citizenry. At the heart of this plan is an ambitious initiative to expand higher education opportunities throughout the country. |
|