A look inside Academic Building One
Take a sneak peek inside the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus' Academic Building One a month from its official opening.
With just one month to go until the grand opening, the anticipation surrounding the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus' Academic Building One is at an all-time high. This state-of-the-art facility, located in the heart of National Landing, is more than just a building: it’s a symbol of innovation, collaboration, and the future of tech education.
We've shown you many exterior shots and construction photos over the years, but want to offer an exclusive sneak peek inside our space. From modern classrooms designed for immersive learning to open, collaborative areas that inspire creativity, every detail of Academic Building One reflects a commitment to excellence and innovation.
“Academic Building One is a place where everyone is going to come together - the tech ecosystem, our research faculty, and an incredible population of students that's going to continue to grow."
-Lance Collins, vice president and executive director of the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
The images below are courtesy of Meghan Marsh for Virginia Tech.
Lobby/Boeing Auditorium
The first floor lobby includes the welcome desk and Boeing Auditorium, a 3,000-square-foot classroom named for the Innovation Campus' first foundational partner, Boeing, located just off the grand staircase. This large, airy space is perfect for events.
Grand Staircase/Lobby
First Floor
The angular grand staircase leads from the first floor lobby to the second floor, right by the Hokie One Stop (more information included below). There is a seating area under the staircase that, when viewed from the parking lot, takes the shape of the building.
Hokie One Stop
Second Floor
The images pictured above are of the Hokie One Stop desk and waiting area, located on the second floor.
The Hokie One Stop is a centralized, student-focused service center that provides students, faculty, staff, and visitors with access to multiple departments and information. It offers an initial point of contact for students and visitors in the D.C. are who are navigating their experience at Virginia Tech.
Services include:
- Centralized Student Services (administered by HOS staff)
- Embedded Student Services (extensions of their respective Blacksburg partner offices. HOS will ultimately house at least one staff member from each of these offices.)
- Supplemental Services (HOS will assist in facilitating and making referrals as appropriate)
For a comprehensive list of services and more information, please visit the Hokie One Stop website.
Drone Testing Cage
Third and Fourth Floors
The 465-square-foot, two-story drone testing cage is located on the third and fourth floors. The space will be able to connect live with Blacksburg's drone park and is connected to a 1,340-square-foot cyber physical lab, where students will be able to present their capstone projects.
Classrooms
Throughout the building
Academic Building One is home to 14 classrooms that range in capacity from 25 to 90 seats.
Learning Commons/Library
Fifth Floor
The Learning Commons and Library, located on the fifth floor, supports students and faculty throughout the D.C. area. It houses research materials, 3D printers, workstations, and huddle rooms.
Photovoltaic Panels
Throughout the building
The building features an integrated photovoltaic system that uses three technologies to generate electricity. Most solar installations sit on the rooftop, but solar panels (pictured) harvest the sun's energy from the windows on the building's south and southeast sides. Vertical terracotta fins on the facade provide passive shading and give the building its warm glow.
