Bentonville, Ark. — Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects (PSW), in collaboration with internationally renowned Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), has revealed the design for a transformative new STEM-focused university in Bentonville, Arkansas. Commissioned by members of the Walton family, the new institution will establish a world-class center for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education while creating a vibrant new district that connects higher education with the surrounding community.
Located on the former Walmart Home Office campus, the university is envisioned as an extension of downtown Bentonville, where education, innovation, and public life intersect. The 422,000-square-foot campus includes three distinct yet interconnected buildings: a makerspace, an academic building, and a 400-bed student residence hall, all linked by a network of public plazas, landscaped green spaces, and outdoor gathering areas inspired by the Ozark landscape.
As Architect of Record, PSW is proud to partner with BIG in bringing this ambitious vision to life while ensuring the campus reflects the character, culture, and architectural heritage of Northwest Arkansas.
“Working alongside BIG, we had the opportunity to help shape a campus that is unmistakably Bentonville,” said Wesley Walls, AIA, Principal at Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects. “The architecture reflects the character of the Ozarks while creating spaces that will inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and serve generations of students to come.”
The campus master plan is organized around a historic rail corridor, transforming it into a pedestrian-focused public spine that weaves together academic life and city life. Outdoor plazas, terraces, and native landscapes encourage interaction among students, faculty, researchers, entrepreneurs, and Bentonville residents alike, reinforcing the university’s role as both an educational institution and civic destination.
Each building expresses a unique architectural identity rooted in the Ozarks. The makerspace features weathering steel that reflects the region’s industrial heritage while showcasing student innovation through expansive glass façades. The academic building reinterprets traditional Ozark architecture with stacked forms, shaded breezeways, and collaborative interior terraces that encourage interdisciplinary learning. The residence hall is organized around two elevated courtyards, creating welcoming outdoor living spaces while maximizing daylight and views across campus.
The project emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and experiential learning—supporting the evolving needs of STEM education while fostering meaningful connections between students, faculty, industry partners, and the broader community.
Expected to welcome its inaugural class in 2029, the university represents a significant investment in Arkansas’s future and further establishes Bentonville as a destination for design, education, and innovation.
Founded in Arkansas nearly 50 years ago, Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects continues to shape transformative places throughout the region. The firm’s partnership on this landmark project reflects its longstanding commitment to designing environments that strengthen communities, advance education, and celebrate a distinct sense of place.
Rendering provided by BIG