Kettering University’s new Learning Commons includes a student entrepreneur lab
By David Malone, Associate Editor
The 105,000-sf Learning Commons at Kettering University will become a new academic hub for the school that includes collaboration spaces, a library, an auditorium, access points for information resources, dining facilities, and a student worker space that focuses on mobility and artificial intelligence.
The Stantec-designed space will include a Design and Entrepreneur Lab where students can meet, make, create, and explore. The space includes a two-story glass wall showcasing the Kettering student experience from the west entry. The Media Resource Center will offer support and resources to students including an IT Help Desk and Media Specialist Kiosks for assistance with material retrieval and education support. Meanwhile, the Gallery Connector will open up to four full stories through the open air atrium and is topped by a skylight that fills the interior space with natural light.
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The $63 million project also includes numerous sustainable features such as:
- Upper floors that are turned above the lower floors to reorient the building to the primary north-south axis, setting a new geometric alignment while optimizing passive energy performance by allowing for solar control and orientation
- Rooftop spaces and outdoor learning environments
- All primary mechanical and electrical equipment is located indoors to extend its operational life and to allow for the selection of high-performance equipment that can be easily maintained for optimal performance
The project is expected to be completed by spring 2022.