#United States #Lakeland #architecture #Florida Southern College #Frank Lloyd Wright

Florida Southern College to Launch School of Architecture

Florida Southern College, located in Lakeland, Florida, is preparing to welcome its inaugural group of architecture students in the fall of 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the college's ongoing commitment to architectural education and heritage preservation. This new program will take place on the historic Frank Lloyd Wright campus, an ideal setting known for its remarkable architectural legacy and innovation.

The School of Architecture will be notable for integrating rigorous academic coursework with immersive hands-on experiences, ensuring that students not only study architectural theory but also engage with practice in a real-world context. The presence of state-of-the-art facilities, such as design studios, fabrication labs, and a research center, enhances the learning environment significantly, paving the way for aspiring architects to flourish.

President Jeremy P. Martin expressed enthusiasm for the program, stating, "For students, it offers an extraordinary opportunity to study in one of the most unique and historically rich environments in the country—an experience that promises to shape their careers and their vision for the world." This emphasis on the intertwining of education with the celebrated history of Florida Southern College makes the experience distinctive.

Students enrolled in the School of Architecture will have a variety of opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. The program features study abroad experiences in cities renowned for their architecture, such as Florence, Italy, and Tokyo, Japan. Additionally, students will have access to internships with leading architectural firms, allowing them to work closely with industry professionals and gain mentorship from the very start of their academic journey.

Leading these ambitious efforts is Jeff Baker, the architect-in-residence since 2007, who has been pivotal in restoring campus buildings and embedding those principles into the curriculum. Baker encapsulated his vision for the program, saying, "Frank Lloyd Wright loved his work. It's not just a profession. It's a calling." He aspires for the program to instill an enduring passion for architecture in students, resulting in enriched experiences for both the students and the community.

The school will occupy the legendary Ordway Building—one of the precious 16 structures designed by Wright himself on campus. This building adds an inspiring dimension to the learning experience, serving as a living example of notable architectural design and thought. Dr. Tracey Tedder, provost and vice president of academic affairs, highlighted the unique learning environment, stating, "When students walk out of their classroom after they've been immersed in theory, they will be able to apply that theory and put it into practice through hands-on ways."

Initially, the program will offer an undergraduate architecture degree, with plans for a master's degree to be launched by 2028, facilitating a seamless progression for students who wish to further their studies right after completing their bachelor's degree. Florida Southern College is set to announce the appointment of the Dean of the School of Architecture in the summer of 2025, signifying the final preparations leading up to the school's opening.

Florida Southern College, established in 1883, is the oldest private institution in Florida. It boasts over 70 undergraduate programs, renowned graduate programs in various fields, and holds a reputation for engaged learning. The college features an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 and has received various accolades, including recognition for its stunning campus and academic offerings.

For those eager to learn more about this groundbreaking architectural program and the esteemed Florida Southern College, further details can be found on their official website at www.flsouthern.edu/architecture. This initiative not only sets the stage for a new generation of architects but also continues the storied legacy of one of America’s architectural greats.