Penn State Engineering Design and Innovation Building
University Park, PA
Hands-on creation is now a pivotal element of any higher education arts program. This renovation project is the first step for the college to expand its offerings beyond sculpture, fine art, and welding to enhance its studio with other necessary equipment for a robust 3D creative lab.
LJC collaborated with the college to create a new digital fabrication studio to serve the college’s arts program. The new maker space occupies a former metal fabrication shop. The lab accommodates a range of digital and analog fabrication, including desktop printers, a large-format 3D printer, and a CNC router.
To elevate the profile of this maker space, the design team inserted new storefront windows in the existing corridor, which visually connects passers-by to the activities within the lab, the adjacent wood shop, and views of the exterior. Adjacent to the other studios, the team worked diligently to stay within the footprint and budget while upgrading the workflow between the studios, highlighting a brand identity, and creating a buzz around the future of the arts.
