The DIAC, has been called the world's only free zone dedicatedto international higher education. It was established in 2006 tohelp meet the growing demand for higher education in Dubai. Locatedabout 20 minutes from the Dubai business district, the DIAC spans25 million sf and is dedicated solely to universities and colleges.Eight million sf has been dedicated to the international highereducation zone, while three million sf will be allocated forresearch and development centers.

Based in Plano, TX, SHW, which specializes in academicfacilities, will oversee the project from its Detroit studio. SHWGroup's Dubai project will include MSU's construction management,family and community services, communication arts and computerengineering programs. SHW designers are taking three floors ofshell space in a new building through programming, conceptualdesign, schematic design and design development, which includesmechanical, electrical and architectural development.

"The students that are going to be educated here come fromeverywhere, so our idea is to create an environment that willattract students from all over the Middle East and Europe,"Marjorie Simmons, managing principal of SHW Group's Michiganstudio, tells GlobeSt.com. "At the center of the space is the'origin'--an interactive space where students from the variousprograms can collaborate, share learning experiences and developrelationships. With this interaction, a social energy is createdwhich ripples throughout the surrounding learning environments,further reinforcing the discovery of the students who will beattending the four programs that the university has to offer."