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Dixie Technical College campus on the Tech Ridge bluff above St. George, red rock and mountains behind
Education · Campus · St. George, Utah
Forming a launching pad for career aspirations.

Dixie Tech.

Campus master plan + landscapeTech Ridge, St. GeorgeWith Method Studio
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The campus · Tech Ridge, St. GeorgeThe campus · Tech Ridge, St. George
From airport runway to beacon of opportunity.

The Dixie Technical College campus overlooks St. George from the technology hub Tech Ridge, once home to a regional airport. Its state-of-the-art facilities are situated on the edge of the bluff, with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscape.

How a Tech Ridge campus is changing the perception of technical education.

01 · The Brief

Not a “less than” alternative.

In the past, technical schools were often viewed as a “less than” alternative for those who struggled with completing a four-year degree. That is not the case anymore.

At Dixie Tech, students benefit from learning in an uplifting environment while gaining real world skills. With excellent job placement and a strong reputation, Dixie Tech is showing how desirable a technical school education can be. It’s a place where students can grow and find success in life.

Leveraging our expertise in creating immersive outdoor experiences, Loft Six Four teamed up with Method Studio to create a master plan for the institution.

01 · The Brief, Not a "less than" alternative.
The elevated plaza · an abstraction of the surrounding geologyThe elevated plaza · an abstraction of the surrounding geology
A feeling of accomplishment.

A student’s experience while at campus is edifying. At the top of the bluff, they encounter a feeling of accomplishment. The elevated plaza, an abstraction of the surrounding geology, provides inspiring views.

Our new campus has changed people’s perception of technical education.
Jennifer Forbes · Dixie Tech VP of Marketing
02 · The Approach

Contextual by design.

The campus design concept focused on integrating the architecture with the site and taking full advantage of its prominent location. The verdant campus is symbolic of the vitality of the school. Lines through the landscape converging on the center of the building express the pivotal role of education in the lives of the students.

This first Dixie Tech building has quickly become an iconic and special place. The scenery and interesting campus design attracts many visitors. It’s not uncommon to see portraits being taken at the campus in the evenings or to see travelers stop by to take in the unique experience.

Like an urban rooftop, the location is exciting. The campus design captures that excitement and casts the Tech Ridge in its best light.

02 · The Approach, Contextual by design.
03 · The Result

A rise in enrollment.

Together with the magnificent architecture by Method Studio, the campus is changing the perception of technical education. The attractive setting has helped create a rise in enrollment that in turn provides an increase of well-trained essential workers to the state’s expanding job market.

With a clear vision of how the architecture would integrate with the site, we proceeded with the design of the first official building and landscape. This first Dixie Tech campus building set the precedent for the rest of the campus masterplan.

It clearly demonstrated the grand potential of the institution and the students who pursue their education there.

03 · The Result, A rise in enrollment.
Key project details
1,200
students enrolled, up from 26 at the school’s 2001 founding.
Typology
Education · Campus
Location
Tech Ridge, St. George, Utah
Programs
27 (3 at founding)
Site history
Former regional airport
Landscape Architecture
Loft Six Four
Architect
Method Studio
Scope
Campus master plan · first building landscape
Client
Dixie Technical College
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