HDG Architects recently completed the construction documents phase for the Aviation Science Center at Community College of Beaver County (CCBC), located at Beaver County Airport (BVI). Principal, Rob Rensi (RR), Project Architect, Matt Dawson (MD), and Architectural Designer, Leslie Gonzalez (LG) from the design team took time to reflect on the process, challenges, and vision behind the design.
From navigating site constraints to incorporating innovative solutions that enhance functionality, the team shared their approach to creating a space that will serve CCBC and BVI for years to come. The discussion highlighted unique design elements and the collaborative effort that brought this project to life. This behind-the-scenes look showcases the dedication and creativity that define our work at HDG Architects.
PROJECT UNIQUENESS AND HIGHLIGHTS
What sets this project apart from other projects HDG Architects has worked on?
MD: HDG has a tremendous amount of experience in educational design but this project is different because of the highly specialized type of education the building contains. First and foremost, this project is an educational facility serving students pursuing Professional Pilot licenses, Air Traffic Control, and Aerospace Management degrees; but it’s also a public general aviation airport. That multi-use purpose created some really unique design opportunities, and challenges for HDG to consider.
Can you share a specific design feature or aspect of the project that you are particularly proud of?
LG: Personally, I am proud of the exterior “wing-shape” design concept that HDG carried through the project, as it faced some challenges during the design phase when the budget needed to be balanced. We creatively adapted the design to maintain the wing-inspired concept in a more cost-effective way, ensuring both the client and design team were satisfied with the outcome.
PROJECT CHALLENGES
How did you address specific constraints like budget, timeline, or site conditions?
RR: Since the proposed project is located on airport property regulated by the FAA and PaDOT, in addition to the traditional land development and DEP approvals, it required additional regulatory steps that made the project schedule challenging. This project required a Focused Environmental Assessment, a lengthy process led by the Environmental Consultant, culminated in a detailed report that our team, marshalled through final approval according to our original schedule without surprises or delays, thereby keeping the overall project schedule on track.
FUTURE OF THE PROJECT
How do you envision the building serving its users and the broader CCBC community once it’s completed?
MD: This building should afford CCBC students and faculty, as well as Beaver County natives and others just visiting the airport with a state-of-the-art facility. We hope this project helps CCBC drive increased student enrollment in an already hugely successful educational program.
Do you foresee any potential opportunities for further development or collaboration with CCBC in the future?
RR: HDG has been working with CCBC since 2019 when were hired to develop a campus master plan for the college. The level of engagement by our team and the detailed information contained in the master plan led to several opportunities with the college and allowed HDG to begin to cultivate a relationship with CCBC. Since then, our team has been able to further build this connection and extend our efforts with other stakeholders and have had the privilege of completing several conceptual studies and projects for student-centered academic spaces, including the new Aviation Science Center located at BVI. HDG Architects remains committed to fostering this collaborative relationship with CCBC and looks forward to future opportunities to support its growth.
HDG DESIGN TEAM
Principal – Rob Rensi
Project Architect – Matt Dawson
Project Designers – Leslie Gonzalez, Neil Morea, and Sam DeBlase
M/E/P – Larson Design Group
Structural – Larson Design Group
Civil – Larson Design Group
Environmental – Michael Baker International
Project Page: Community College of Beaver County – Aviation Science Center at Beaver County Airport
