Contemplative Commons at the University of Virginia
Organization Overview
Located on the historic Jeffersonian campus, the Contemplative Commons is a first-of-its-kind, pan-university center to support student resilience through immersive, experiential, and participatory learning. Biophilic at its core, the wood-lined multi-function studios connect to gardens and courtyards reinforcing the contemplative and communal focus of the Commons.
Award
Finalist
Category
2026 Architecture
Project Team
Design Architect: Aidin Darling Design
Architect of Record: VMDO Architects
Client: University of Virginia
General Contractor: Hourigan Construction Corp
Landscape: Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects
Civil Engineer: TRC
Structural Engineer: Springpoint Structural
MEP Engineer: AEI/Affiliated Engineers Inc.
Lighting & AV Consulting: Apeiro Design
Lighting: Pivotal Lighting Design
IT/Security Consulting: NV5
Programming: Brightspot Strategy, now a part of Buro Happold
Code Consulting: Jensen Hughes
Food Service Consulting: Tipton Associates
Sustainability Consultant: RE4M
Specifications: Long Green Specs
Hardware Specifications: Brown's Lock & Safe
Vegetated Roof Consulting: Studio Sustena
Photographer: Matthew Millman Photography
Architect of Record: VMDO Architects
Client: University of Virginia
General Contractor: Hourigan Construction Corp
Landscape: Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects
Civil Engineer: TRC
Structural Engineer: Springpoint Structural
MEP Engineer: AEI/Affiliated Engineers Inc.
Lighting & AV Consulting: Apeiro Design
Lighting: Pivotal Lighting Design
IT/Security Consulting: NV5
Programming: Brightspot Strategy, now a part of Buro Happold
Code Consulting: Jensen Hughes
Food Service Consulting: Tipton Associates
Sustainability Consultant: RE4M
Specifications: Long Green Specs
Hardware Specifications: Brown's Lock & Safe
Vegetated Roof Consulting: Studio Sustena
Photographer: Matthew Millman Photography