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Eastern Wake Campus Master Plan

Client
Wake Tech Community College
Location
Wendell, North Carolina
What we did
Urban Design & Planning, Innovation Hubs, Architecture, Campus Planning
Size
105 Acres

Eastern Wake 4.0 is Wake Tech Community College’s newest campus, designed to drive technology-forward education and workforce development in Wendell, North Carolina. Inspired by Industry 4.0 and guided by Page’s high-performance expertise, this campus embodies the next industrial revolution, integrating 5G, cloud computing, smart manufacturing, and the Internet of Things into its academic and training programs.

As North Carolina’s largest community college, Wake Tech serves over 74,000 students annually across six campuses, three training centers, and extensive online learning opportunities. Eastern Wake 4.0 strengthens partnerships with local industry, the surrounding community, and nearby academic institutions, fostering an innovation-driven learning environment.

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Site vision

Balancing functionality and sustainability in campus design

The campus plan prioritizes student experience, environmental stewardship, and smart growth, with seven buildings organized around a central core. Thoughtfully designed pedestrian walkways, green spaces, and wetlands views enhance connectivity and well-being. The layout balances functionality, energy efficiency, and sustainability, creating a dynamic, future-ready campus that supports Wake Tech’s commitment to education, workforce development, and community engagement.

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“We think we can make a big difference here in Eastern Wake. At Wake Tech, we don’t want to just be part of an economic recovery, we want to lead an economic resurgence for this region.”
Dr. Scott Ralls
President
Wake Tech Community College

Campus quad

A central hub for learning and innovation
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At the heart of the campus, a Helix-shaped quad creates a vibrant, walkable academic core, designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Framed by academic buildings and courtyards, the quad is anchored by an Innovation Pavilion, which serves as a central hub for research, learning, and engagement.

Designed for pedestrian-first connectivity, the quad features interwoven pathways while restricting day-to-day vehicular traffic, ensuring a safe, dynamic environment. Service vehicles have designated access, while general traffic flows along the loop road and perimeter parking, preserving the collegiate atmosphere and encouraging community interaction.

The plan strengthens connections between student spaces and nature, with expansive views toward the wetland to the east, reinforcing the campus’s commitment to environmental integration and well-being. This thoughtfully designed quad enhances campus identity, academic collaboration, and sustainability, positioning it as a forward-thinking hub for learning and innovation.

High-performance design

Maximizing building efficiency through campus design
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The helix building configuration outperforms other designs in energy efficiency, reducing energy use by 11.2% (9,642 kWh/yr). Optimized for North Carolina’s warm climate, its east-west orientation minimizes harmful solar exposure, boosting cooling efficiency. 

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Talk with us

Complex challenges need fresh perspectives and deep expertise. Connect with our team to explore how we can help you create spaces that make a real difference.