The James J. Countryman Engineering and Industrial Technology Building underwent a comprehensive renovation designed to enhance educational opportunities and student engagement in the rapidly growing field of agriculture. Rhodes State College’s Agronomy program provides students with the skills needed to pursue a career in agronomy focusing on four key areas: Soils, Crop Management, Nutrient Management, and Integrated Pest Management.
The scope of work involved building alterations across key areas within the facility, strategically phased to minimize disruption and maximize impact.
Building Assessment and Redesign The project began with an in-depth assessment of the existing infrastructure within the James J. Countryman Building. This assessment guided the redesign process, ensuring that the new spaces would meet the evolving needs of students and faculty. The redesign emphasized functionality, accessibility, and adaptability, laying the foundation for modern, collaborative educational environments.
New Connecting Vestibule A key component of the renovation was the design and construction of a new connecting vestibule. This structure serves as a seamless link between the lab spaces and lecture rooms, promoting ease of movement and facilitating the flow of ideas and collaboration between academic disciplines. The vestibule was carefully designed to integrate with the building’s architectural infrastructure while enhancing its overall functionality.
Collaborative and Specialized Learning Spaces The project also focused on creating state-of-the-art collaborative spaces tailored to specific academic needs. The agriculture lecture area was reimagined as a dynamic, technology-enhanced learning environment, closely connected to an adjacent agronomy lab. These spaces were designed to support active learning and hands-on experimentation, fostering a deeper understanding of agricultural sciences.
Alterations and Conversions: Enhancing Functionality Several existing classrooms were altered to accommodate modern teaching methods and technologies, creating flexible learning environments that can be easily adapted for various instructional styles. A notable aspect of the project was the conversion of a space into a specialized robotics lab, reflecting the growing importance of robotics and automation in industrial education.
Additionally, a former storage room was transformed into a vibrant student engagement collaboration room. This space now serves as a hub for student interaction, teamwork, and innovation, providing an inviting environment that encourages creativity and peer-to-peer learning. Alongside this, new staff offices were created, and three classrooms were altered to better serve the needs of students and faculty.
