Reinforced by its strategic location adjacent to the main campus entrance, library, and student center, the Applied Innovation Hub puts engineering on display and creates a dynamic new academic facility for technology focused programs. A transparent ground floor lobby and multi-purpose lounge space overlooking a hive of activity immediately outside its walls, in combination with open student spaces throughout, promote the significance of the 93,000-sf building as a place of innovation, interdisciplinary education, and collaboration.

The facility serves as the primary new home for engineering department spaces in CCSU’s School of Engineering, Science and Technology, as well as computer and general-purpose classrooms available to the overall university. Lab, classroom, student project, and faculty spaces support both undergraduate and graduate programs in mechanical, electrical, computer, and civil engineering.

Featured elements include a robotics lab for CCSU’s robust robotics program and a 30’ high material testing structures lab. Multiple dedicated student project rooms and open collaborative areas are located on each level to promote project-based learning. A 180-seat lecture hall off the main entry lounge area provides space for scheduled classes and special programmed events. A student services advising and career space, also directly off the main entry lounge, fosters ease of access to CCSU’s diverse student body. Corridor glazing creates transparency into lab spaces and highlights activity within. A diverse group of historic and Connecticut-based engineers and innovators accents a large-scale graphic mural adjacent to an open stair.

Designers were challenged to accommodate the functional program, harness the best value for the $44.8M construction budget, embrace flexibility with both technology infrastructure and space, and achieve energy performance and sustainability goals. Energy modeling resulted in our proposed design being 9.3% better performing than the IECC 2015 baseline requirements, netting an estimated utility cost savings of approximately $11,400 annually. These energy reductions and energy savings can be attributed to the use of high efficiency LED lighting and controls, as well as enhanced HVAC Fan power control and modulation.

The exterior design responds to campus standards based on the university’s original historic structures and overall architectural context. Interior finishes were selected for flexibility, durability, timelessness, and as a neutral backdrop for the equipment and student activity within its space. Polished concrete, exposed structure, wood acoustic ceilings in collaborative areas, and the restrained use of accent color by floor characterize the overall aesthetic.