Wednesday, October 22, 2025
By: Olivia Wilson
The University of Florida College of Design, Construction and Planning (DCP) held its ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Bruno E. and Maritza F. Ramos Collaboratory this past Thursday, celebrating innovation, collaboration and the future of design and education.
University Interim President Donald Landry joined DCP Dean Chimay Anumba, building namesake Bruno Ramos, University of Florida Board of Trustee member David L. Brandon and members of university leadership, representing the university’s commitment to advancing education.
“Together, with a clear vision for the future of higher education, the support of the state, the generosity of the community, we don’t just build structures, we’re constructing our futures,” said President Landry. “This building creates a controlled chaos, creates things that are new, startling, beautiful and useful.”
The Ramos Collaboratory is located at 1481 Stadium Road and serves as a hub for interdisciplinary learning, creative exchanges and technological innovation. The space was made possible by Bruno and Maritza Ramos, whose contribution reflects their dedication to supporting future generations of Gators and strengthening the connection between students, faculty and industry professionals.
Dean Chimay Anumba reflected on the Collaboratory’s process and what it is intended to bring to UF and the success that will be brought forward.
“This facility is not only intended to be a place for technical learning, but also a space that encourages creativity and connection,” said Dean Anumba. “It’s meant to be both a world-class academic building and a home for our people.”
Designed to foster teamwork and hands-on learning, the new facility features a brand-new research hub that allows faculty and graduate students to exchange ideas and collaborate on high-impact research. The Collaboratory also features a reconfigurable, multi-functional space, a digital modeling and fabrication space used for digital models and 3D Printing. A large multipurpose hall, studios, classrooms and a virtual design and construction lab are also featured.
“This Collaboratory has been set up to allow us to work together, to listen, to share and build not alone, but together,” Bruno Ramos said. “Collaboration isn’t just how we succeed, it’s how we create a better world.”
Attendees at the ceremony included UF staff, faculty, students and alums, who gathered to celebrate the milestone for the college. Many expressed excitement about the opportunities the Collaboratory will provide for innovation and connection.
“I feel like this is a great opportunity to connect with the other disciplines in DCP outside of our one pre-design class,” said senior interior design student Mariana Solis. “It will be a great way to collaborate with other students and merge all the different disciplines into one building, creating a hub for us.”
As the ceremony concluded, guests gained the opportunity to tour the new facility and admire the latest modern design and collaborative atmosphere. The Bruno E. and Maritza F. Ramos Collaboratory reflects DCP’s mission to shape future leaders in the built environment through creativity, connection and community.
“Today, we mark more than the opening of a building. We celebrate the promise of an idea that was born here,” said Ramos. “The team tested the edges of possibility and the power of working together.”