Foster Center for Student Innovation

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Foster Center for Student Innovation

Firm

Oak Point Associates

Type

Educational › University Other
Industrial › Research Facility

The mission of the 5967 sq ft Foster Center for Student Innovation is to provide an environment that cultivates innovation and entrepreneurship. As the site for the University’s new Innovation Engineering program, the Center provides the bridge for the “Create, Communicate, Commercialize” program strategy. Students and staff are provided an open-air team space, private workrooms, offices, areas for casual interaction, a conference room, and a seminar space. By balancing minimalism and comfort, public and private space, areas for creative work and formal business interactions, that bridge helps entrepreneurs span the gap between a good idea and a commercialized product. The defining area of the Foster Student Innovation Center is a corner of the central, light-filled lobby, officially named the Aha! Space; it is a place to enjoy floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding natural environment and contemplate a world of potential.Located at the center of UMaine’s active campus, the Foster Student Innovation Center is nestled within a tranquil woodland site accessed primarily by walking paths. The facility sits below the road, set among oak trees, conveying a level of exclusivity and removal from the rest of the busy campus. The unique architecture of the building defines it from its brick-clad counterparts, indicates its unique position at the university, and often draws in curious passersby.The north side of the building, with a stone façade, a band of copper that reflects the color of oak leaves in fall, and a low roof, blends into and takes on the character of the surrounding woods. Because the site was one of the last undeveloped tracks of land on the campus, minimizing site disturbance was a priority. The orientation of the building preserved as many trees as possible and also maximized the benefits of natural daylight by facing its broad side south. Visually, the long sides of the building containing the main entrances show little site disruption. A band of windows below the roof separates the roof from the mass of building, giving it a floating quality indicating that this is a place for unencumbered creativity. Approaching the north entrance through tall trees, one enters into an unexpectedly dynamic interior.LEARNING LABFrom the architectural design concept stage, the FSIC served as a learning lab for students—the building committee included students; forestry students had hands-on experience with tree removal of trees, which were then used to create board lumber and firewood; plans and specifications for the facility were used to teach estimating, drawing review, and engineering review in undergraduate engineering classes; and student lead acted as project manager for the design and manufacture of experimental roof panels to the architect’s specifications.FLEXIBILITYLarge gatherings are accommodated by opening large, roll-up doors to combine the seminar room and conference space with the inspiration space. Modular furniture throughout the spaces is easily reconfigured to meet the needs of various work arrangements, learning situations and special events. Etched glass walls separating the multi-media seminar and conference rooms from the lobby can be retracted at the push of a button to accommodate large gatherings.SUSTAINABLE FEATURESThe design of the Center focuses on integrating the building within its natural site. Onthe outside, stone and broad expanses of glass reflect the surrounding woodland andwetland environment. Sustainable features include:• total energy savings of 38%• building orientated to maximize solar properties• deliberate building placement minimized site disturbance and retained most of the site’s character-defining trees• a construction waste management program led to the recycling and landfill diversion of 91% of construction waste and land clearing debris • 46% of construction materials were manufactured within 500 miles of the project site• recycled-content, rapidly renewable, and local materials were used throughout• low-VOC material and finish selections do not emit harmful compounds, ensuring• healthy indoor air quality• daylighting techniques provide wide access to natural light making for a more productive environment• windows offer broad views to the surrounding natural areas to 98% of the occupied spaces and daylighting to 89%• lighting is controlled automatically by daylight and occupancy sensors providing a 35% savings• low-flow fixtures reduce water use by 20%• high efficiency gas condensing boiler designed to be easily upgraded to geothermal

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Foster Center for Student Innovation

Foster Center for Student Innovation

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team