How Longwood University’s Joan Perry Brock Center Earned LEED Certification.

When people think about sustainable buildings on a university campus, large-scale arenas and convocation centers rarely come to mind. With expansive gathering spaces, fluctuating occupancy levels, and significant energy demands, these facilities are some of the most challenging building types to design sustainably.

That’s what makes Longwood University’s Joan Perry Brock Convocation Center noteworthy. The 3,000-seat venue achieved LEED certification, placing it among a relatively small number of arena facilities nationwide recognized for meeting rigorous sustainability standards.

Located at the heart of Longwood University’s campus, the Joan Perry Brock Convocation Center serves as a hub for campus life and community engagement. Home to the men’s and women’s basketball programs, the facility also hosts many of the university’s most significant traditions, including convocation, commencement ceremonies, guest lectures, concerts, and community gatherings. Despite the unique challenges associated with designing and operating a venue of this scale, this project demonstrates that sustainability and high-performance event spaces can go hand in hand.

For a university with a dedicated Office of Sustainability and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, the convocation center represents an important example of how sustainable design can be integrated into a facility that supports both campus life and regional engagement.

Designing for Sustainability from Day One

Sustainability was embedded in the project from the earliest planning stages. Energy efficiency and site location were established as primary objectives, with the design team initially targeting LEED Silver certification.

One of the most significant sustainability decisions involved the convocation center’s location within the campus. Rather than requiring extensive new infrastructure, the project team relocated existing tennis courts and leveraged nearby parking resources, including an existing parking deck and surrounding paved lots. By minimizing the need for additional parking construction, the design reduced the project’s environmental impact while preserving the pedestrian-friendly character of Longwood’s campus.

Built for Flexibility and Longevity

The Brock Center was designed to serve far more than athletics.

The arena features an intimate U-shaped seating bowl designed to create an engaging experience for basketball fans, while a removable grandstand allows the venue to transform for concerts, graduations, convocations, and other university events. Premium amenities include a university suite accommodating up to 50 guests and distinctive corner “loge boxes” that offer a unique viewing experience.

Beyond the public-facing spaces, the facility includes locker rooms for home and visiting teams, training spaces, and a broadcast coordination studio that enables Longwood Athletics to centralize video production and distribute content for network broadcasts and digital streaming.

By creating a single venue capable of supporting countless functions, the university maximizes the building’s use over time, which is an important aspect of sustainable campus planning.

Visible Craftsmanship, Hidden Performance

Many of the Brock Center’s sustainability features are hidden in plain sight.

Visitors immediately notice the building’s detailed exterior, which not only complements the character of Longwood’s campus but also improves energy performance. Durable exterior materials, including brick and precast concrete, were selected for their timeless appearance and long-term performance. These materials help reduce maintenance needs and support the building’s longevity. The energy-efficient building envelope serves as one of the most visible components of the facility’s sustainable design strategy.

Other sustainability features operate almost entirely behind the scenes. Large, rooftop mechanical systems help manage the challenge of conditioning a venue that can fluctuate in occupancy from one day to the next. Whether hosting a basketball practice, a campus ceremony, or a sold-out event, the facility’s systems were designed to balance comfort with energy efficiency.

A Name Associated with Lasting Impact

The convocation center also carries a name that resonates beyond Longwood University.

The Brock family is widely recognized for their philanthropic contributions throughout Virginia, with several projects emphasizing thoughtful, forward-looking design. The Joan Perry Brock Convocation Center continues that legacy, pairing a landmark campus venue with a commitment to sustainability and long-term performance.

A Model for Future Universities

According to the RRMM team, one of the biggest takeaways from the project was learning how to balance sustainability goals, architectural quality, and project budget on a specialized building type.

The convocation center demonstrates that universities do not have to choose between creating a signature campus venue and pursuing meaningful environmental performance. With thoughtful site planning, efficient building systems and a commitment to long-term value, even a large arena can become a model for sustainable design.

The investment in LEED-focused strategies will help make the Joan Perry Brock Convocation Center a beloved campus landmark for generations to come.