The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) has selected New Mexico–based Modulus Architects & Land Use Planning, Inc. (MODULUS) as the architectural firm for the Next Generation Learning Center (ngLC), a new state-of-the-art STEM education facility planned for the U.S. National Science Foundation Very Large Array (NSF VLA) site west of Socorro, New Mexico. The project is slated to be a facility that will expand educational opportunity and workforce development across New Mexico and beyond.
Planned for construction at the current NSF VLA site, the approximately 14,871-square-foot Next Generation Learning Center will inspire and engage thousands of New Mexico students each year. The ngLC is designed as a state-of-the-art educational hub that connects K–12 students, educators, and the public to world-class radio astronomy, engineering, and data-intensive science taking place on the Plains of San Agustín.
The facility will feature interactive exhibit halls, flexible classroom spaces, rooftop viewing areas overlooking the NSF VLA, exterior exhibits along walking trails, and visitor amenities that support extended visits for school groups and the public. Through both in-person and virtual programming, the ngLC is expected to serve approximately 8,000–10,000 students annually from across New Mexico, with a focus on culturally responsive, standards-aligned STEM learning experiences for historically underrepresented communities.
Following a competitive process, NSF NRAO specially selected MODULUS as the design firm for the ngLC, recognizing the firm’s expertise in complex projects that integrate architectural vision, land-use planning, zoning, and community engagement. MODULUS brings a holistic approach that aligns with NSF NRAO’s goal of creating a facility that is not only architecturally compelling, but also carefully integrated into the NSF VLA site, its cultural landscape, and the surrounding rural communities.
MODULUS emphasizes designs that optimize visitor experience, circulation, and accessibility while meeting regulatory requirements and environmental considerations. This approach is especially important for a facility that must welcome school groups, families, and tourists, while operating alongside one of the world’s premier radio observatories and a transformative next-generation research facility.
The ngLC design phase formally commenced in 2025 and is currently supported by a federal HUD grant. The Center is planned to be supported by a mix of state, federal, and local funding. The project reached an early milestone with completion of the 30 percent design review in late 2025, providing a robust conceptual framework for the building’s layout, visitor flow, exhibit zones, classrooms, rooftop access, and site integration. This milestone positions the project to advance toward design completion, currently targeted for summer 2026, pending continued planned funding and partner support.
Construction fundraising efforts are well underway, including interactions with federal, state, and private sources. Construction will be executed in phases sized and timed according to funds raised. In parallel, NSF NRAO is continuing to develop educational programming, workforce pathways, and community partnerships that will activate the facility as soon as it opens.
The Next Generation Learning Center is being developed as a cornerstone of NSF NRAO’s broader impacts, education, and public outreach mission with the NSF VLA, focused on building equitable, high-quality STEM pathways for New Mexico students. Programming at the ngLC will connect K–12 learners to hands-on experiences in radio astronomy, engineering, data science, and machine learning, while also supporting teachers through professional development and classroom resources tied to New Mexico and national academic standards.
In addition to student-focused programs, the ngLC plans to support apprenticeship and training pipelines in fields such as diesel mechanics, HVAC, electrical trades, and fiber technology, developed in collaboration with community colleges, local industries, and research institutions. Additionally, the ngLC will serve as the classroom environment for the NSF VLA’s current fire and EMS training programs.
The ngLC is projected to help double annual visitation to the NSF VLA site to roughly 40,000 visitors per year, further strengthening regional tourism and rural economic development in Socorro County. By connecting thousands of students annually to a multi-billion-dollar research facility in their own state, the Center aims to help New Mexico grow and retain a diverse, highly skilled STEM workforce that can power the VLA and other leading research institutions.
NSF NRAO, Socorro County, state and federal partners, and MODULUS share a vision of the Next Generation Learning Center as a welcoming, inclusive gateway into the invisible universe, as well as into high-paying careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for New Mexico’s students. As design moves forward, this strategic partnership is laying the groundwork for a facility that will serve communities across New Mexico and the nation for decades to come.
About NRAO
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation, operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
About Modulus Architects & Land Use Planning
Modulus Architects & Land Use Planning is a New Mexico–based firm offering integrated architectural and land use planning services. With experience in complex and community-centered projects, Modulus is known for thoughtful design, collaborative delivery, and solutions that support long-term community goals.
