The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford recently opened a new engineering and information technology building that adds urgently needed lab and instructional space to the campus.
The 38,880 sf structure is the new home for the study of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Energy Engineering Technology, and Computer Information Systems & Technology, the latter of which had previously been spread out among multiple buildings.
The $17.69 million facility includes engineering labs, engineering shops, computer labs, the campus data center, active large group classrooms, and faculty and staff offices. The design strategy aligned all functions to open to a two-story collaborative center to enhance visibility, accessibility, interactions, and team building. Additional design features include:
- A centralized commons provides a more social, collaborative, team-based learning model for the campus.
- A cantilevered metal clad faculty office “bar” floats above a mostly glass enclosed collaborative first floor providing a dynamic north edge for the newly formed quad.
- The same module footprint for labs and classrooms enhances flexibility.
- A thick building footprint and strategic integration of glass reduces energy usage while preserving access to daylight and views.
- Exposed ceilings in the shared, centralized maker hub puts building systems on display.
Engineering technology students have access to hands-on labs. A maker space contains milling machines, lathes, welding equipment, metal cutting technology, and 3-D printers and scanners.
Mechanical engineering technology students can design and build a prototype for an industrial process, then test them in labs for fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, strength of materials, and electrical circuit operation. Energy engineering technology students learn about geology, combustion, automation and sensors, biofuels, wood chemistry, wind and solar power, and the chemistry of petroleum and natural gas.
![UPitt at Bradford opens new Engineering & Information Technologies Building](/sites/default/files/inline-images/UPitt%20at%20Bradford%20opens%20new%20Engineering%20%26%20Information%20Technologies%20Building%20a.png)
Faculty from the engineering and information technology programs look forward to collaborations, such as competitive team activities, that will benefit both programs. The maker space is an attraction for prospective students in both areas.
“The energy between computer information systems and engineering is important for students,” said Dr. Ken Wang, associate professor and director of the computer information systems and technology program. “They are complementary programs.”
On the building team:
Owner and/or developer: University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
Design architect: HED
Architect of record: LGA Partners
MEP engineer: HED
Structural engineer: HED
Lab Planner: HED
Information and Communications Technology design: HED
Civil Engineer & Landscape: PVE, LLC
General contractor/construction manager: Rycon Construction Inc.
Related Stories
Education Facilities | Mar 8, 2019
Nature preserve on the Yangtze River will restore biodiversity to a polluted area
Ennead Architects, in partnership with Andropogon Landscape Architects, is designing the project.
Education Facilities | Feb 25, 2019
Fallingwater Institute’s summer residency programs have a new educational hub
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson designed the project.
Education Facilities | Feb 23, 2019
Construction completed on classroom/dorm combo building on Worcester Polytechnic’s campus
The latest addition embodies the school’s emphasis on collaborative problem-solving.
Education Facilities | Feb 13, 2019
STEM-focused school will cater to students who don’t speak English
Perkins+Will is designing the school.
Libraries | Feb 10, 2019
New library branch in San Diego opens with its community’s learning and working traits in mind
It features larger gathering spaces and more technology than its predecessor.
Green | Jan 28, 2019
This is the country’s greenest academic building
Perkins+Will designed the building.
Education Facilities | Jan 22, 2019
Rethinking classroom design to promote collaboration
A dynamic learning space needs to center around the learner, and be flexible enough to transform into any configuration that will facilitate collaboration, especially as curriculums change.
Education Facilities | Jan 21, 2019
N.J. middle school puts its small site to use
The school is named in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision of the “Beloved Community.”
Education Facilities | Jan 8, 2019
Greenwich Village’s Grace Church School receives rooftop athletic center expansion
Murphy Burnham & Buttrick Architects designed the addition.
Education Facilities | Oct 31, 2018
BIG and WeWork collaborate on the first WeGrow school in NYC
WeWork is designed to help children learn through introspection, exploration, and discovery.