Penn State University, ME Knowledge Lab
Recognized as one of the top 50 engineering school in the United States, Penn State determined that their Mechanical Engineering program required a much needed and innovative "Makerspace" for students.
This project provides a hands-on learning space equipped with state-of-the-art amenities that will continue to develop the next generation of mechanical engineers.
Location:
State College, PA
Size:
9,420 SF
Services:
Architecture
Year / Status
2021
Built
Providing the Tools for Student Success
To further improve the student experience in this innovating space, the ME knowledge lab is equipped with multiple storage areas. One way project storage is provided is via oversized lockers and is adjacent to the 3D Commons where students can create and print three-dimensional projects using the latest modeling and printing technologies.
The Toolbox provides secure storage for specialized tools and acoustic separation from an Instructional Lab space that houses experiment stations and flexible collaborative workbench-type furniture for group instruction and hands-on learning projects.
State-of-the-Art Learning Environment
Additional amenities include virtual reality carols, an Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle (UAV) testing area suitable for remote control vehicles and drones, along with a robotics lab, new accessible facilities and interior finish and branding upgrades.
“The Department of Mechanical Engineering has been pleased with the design work and the responsiveness of WTW (an AE Works Company) on two major renovations in our department." "Because of the E-Knowledge Commons success we embarked on a second project that also involved WTW (an AE Works Company). As a matter of fact, we would not move forward until we were permitted to work with them.”
- Karen A. Thole, Mechanical Engineering Department Head, The Pennsylvania State University