Vanderbilt has provided design renderings for its West Palm Beach campus-the first glimpse of a graduate-centered campus that puts heavy emphasis on business, artificial intelligence, and advanced innovation. The newly released renderings show an environment where startups, investors, established companies, and academic leaders come together in close collaboration.
The project has made remarkable strides in a short time. This past fall of 2024, Vanderbilt had unanimously received five acres of county-owned land and two more from the city by commissioners. The location was settled, and with it, the university began seeking out fundraising. They are aiming for $300 million, per the Board of Trust. Renderings released today mark a new stage in raising awareness and an opportunity for public investment in this community.
The architectural design is led by Elkus Manfredi Architects, whose CEO and founding principal, David P. Manfredi, called the site a “living laboratory” embracing South Florida’s natural landscape. A nod to Vanderbilt’s Arboretum in Nashville will have the West Palm Beach campus featuring native plantings reflective of the unique environment of the region.
New campus to retain Vanderbilt’s core design principles
The new campus will be uniquely Vanderbilt while retaining the essence of Vanderbilt’s core design principles from the Nashville location. Outdoor spaces will be active spaces for students, fostering engagement and interaction in a welcoming environment. The overall design will integrate with the landscape, reinforcing Vanderbilt’s commitment to creating environments that inspire innovation and personal growth.
The limelight of the project is that the building of Executive Education & Lifelong Learning is going to be made from mass timber construction, which will keep the inside environment warm and natural. This renewable material will enhance learning while placing an emphasis on sustainability. Other design considerations also include the integration of solar energy; renderings include rooftop photovoltaic panels to power on-site lighting and other electrical needs.
Given its coastal location, the campus is designed with resilience in mind. Plans adhere to floodplain regulations and incorporate advanced stormwater management strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.
West Palm Beach campus to enroll nearly 1,000 students
The West Palm Beach campus will be home to close to 1,000 students in graduate programs in business, finance, artificial intelligence, data science, and computer science. Vanderbilt is actively working with the Florida Commission for Independent Education to develop academic programming and will seek necessary approvals from relevant accrediting bodies.
Besides academics, the innovation hub on campus will be a state-of-the-art facility that connects Vanderbilt to Palm Beach’s rapidly growing business ecosystem. In return, the hub provides space for valued community involvement in driving innovation and entrepreneurship, along with technological advancements within the region.
Emphasizing business and innovation through AI, the Vanderbilt West Palm Beach campus will be among the finest for graduate education and industry collaboration and will further establish the university’s presence in one of Florida’s most dynamic regions.
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Vanderbilt West Palm Beach Campus Renderings and Design: Factsheet
Overview
Land
7-acre campus (5 acres county-owned, 2 acres city-owned)
Secured through unanimous commissioner approvals in fall 2024
Academic Focus
Graduate programs in business, finance, artificial intelligence, data science, and computer science
Planned capacity: Nearly 1,000 students
Working with Florida Commission for Independent Education to develop academic programming
Will seek approvals from relevant accrediting bodies
Project Status
Design renderings unveiled
Fundraising goal: $300 million as outlined by Board of Trust
Read also: Michigan State University approved US$335 million biomedical research facility project
Vanderbilt West Palm Beach Campus Design & Architecture
Led by Elkus Manfredi Architects
Described as a “living laboratory” by CEO David P. Manfredi
Features native plantings reflecting South Florida’s environment
Incorporates design principles from Nashville campus
Executive Education & Lifelong Learning Building using mass timber construction for warm, natural atmosphere
Solar energy integration with photovoltaic panels for lighting and electrical needs
Designed with coastal resilience, including floodplain regulations and stormwater management
Key Features
Innovation hub to connect with Palm Beach’s business ecosystem
Outdoor spaces designed as gathering areas
Focus on collaboration between startups, investors, established companies, and academic leaders
Emphasis on business, artificial intelligence, and innovation
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