The $29M structure allows students to collaborate on creative ideas and science discoveries in design, chemistry/biochemistry labs, and fabrication areas.

TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA, UNITED STATES, August 26, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has opened a new academic building that includes state-of-the-art design studios, collaborative workspaces and science laboratories for students to innovate, make new products and food, and mix complex chemical compounds for research projects.

Inside the 70,000-square-foot, $29 million building, students will be able to take their creative ideas from conceptual renderings to working prototypes and eventual finished products – all within walking distance of laser-cutting devices, 3D printers, machine tools, and CNC machines.

A design feature of the building is a central atrium, with interior and exterior glass making it a “window into Rose” that showcases all the work taking place within the building. Individuals outside the building can see students working together alongside professors on classroom and specialty research projects.

“This building is the center for the learning that's the hallmark of a Rose-Hulman education – hands-on, collaborative and sustainable – while being a stunning structure that's perfect for our campus,” said Rose-Hulman President Robert A. Coons.

The middle floor of the new academic building has flexible classrooms with embedded video technology that allow students and faculty to easily learn together and share ideas about computer-aided design concepts. This reinforces the fundamental elements of the institute’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics education that’s revered nationally by higher education peers and helps provide a strong return on investment.

On another floor, chemistry and biochemistry students will be able to use the same advanced equipment as professionals as early as their first year. Connected workspaces also allows for more interdisciplinary opportunities for undergraduate research.

“This new facility offers tremendous opportunities for the types of teaching, hands-on learning and undergraduate research that has come to define a Rose-Hulman education,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Rick Stamper. “It is exciting to think about the educational experiences that the students will have in this building and how they will use this education to have a positive impact on the world.”

The building also will be the new home base for the expanding engineering design program; provides more space for chemistry and biochemistry instruction and research; and introduces a new food science development and testing laboratory.

A focal point of the atrium is a dazzling one-of-its-kind interactive “Depth of Field” artwork that showcases engineering, ingenuity, scientific wonder, and artistic beauty. It stands 30 feet tall, 17 feet wide and has more than 13,000 programmable light-emitting diodes speckled throughout 360 custom-made components. Those elements will showcase a multitude of colors every minute throughout each day, reflecting the ever-changing conditions within the building’s environment. The artwork was specially designed by Adam Buente and Kyle Perry of Indianapolis’ Project One Studio.

Another design element are aspects of the building’s air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind features that impact the health, wellness and the human experience for students, faculty and staff. The building is on track to become Indiana’s first construction project to earn WELL Certification for design and technology. The pioneering building program was established by the International WELL Building Institute.

“This new building will be the epicenter for student learning at Rose-Hulman both now and for future generations,” said Rose-Hulman Board of Trustees Chair and alumnus Niles Noblitt. “With its state-of-the-art amenities, it truly is a revolutionary new space that will thrive as a hub of student activity far into the 21st century.”

The building was designed by Indianapolis-based RATIO Architects. Construction was managed by Garmong Construction Services of Terre Haute. Several subcontractors and local laborers were involved in the project since the summer of 2019.

Rose-Hulman’s 2021-22 school year begins September 2.

About Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Founded in 1874, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is dedicated to preparing its students with the world’s best undergraduate science, engineering and mathematics education in an environment infused with innovation, intellectual rigor and individualized attention. The institute is consistently recognized nationally as an elite STEM school for distinctions that include faculty excellence, return on investment, value-added, and career services. Career placement is near 100 percent year after year. Located in Terre Haute, Indiana, Rose-Hulman has an enrollment of approximately 2,000 undergraduate students and nearly 100 graduate students. Learn more at rose-hulman.edu.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY
Rose-Hulman President Robert Coons can discuss aspects of the new academic building and how it will enhance Rose-Hulman’s academic mission, reinforce the institute’s national reputation and help provide a strong return on investment. Online and telephone interviews can be arranged by contacting Dale Long, director of media relations, at 812-877-8418 or dale.long@rose-hulman.edu

IMAGE DESCRIPTION
Images of Rose-Hulman’s new academic building and its many features is available at:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rglxxvmo6hddv83/AABrxCE7bxkSvs70drUWO5zia?dl=0
Please credit: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology/Bryan Cantwell

VIDEO DESCRIPTION
Video showcasing Rose-Hulman’s new academic building can be found at:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3yegjmbrddpivqh/AABoUWW_U4R0LKdJiKtDqeTia?dl=0&preview=New+Academic+Building+Media+B-Roll+v2.mp4
Use any portion of this video in reporting about this new academic building on the Rose-Hulman campus

Dale Long
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
+1 812-877-8418
dale.long@rose-hulman.edu
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New Academic Building Media B-roll