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.
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
Giants 400 | Aug 22, 2023
Top 115 Architecture Engineering Firms for 2023
Stantec, HDR, Page, HOK, and Arcadis North America top the rankings of the nation's largest architecture engineering (AE) firms for nonresidential building and multifamily housing work, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2023 Giants 400 Report.
Giants 400 | Aug 22, 2023
2023 Giants 400 Report: Ranking the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms
A record 552 AEC firms submitted data for BD+C's 2023 Giants 400 Report. The final report includes 137 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.
Giants 400 | Aug 22, 2023
Top 175 Architecture Firms for 2023
Gensler, HKS, Perkins&Will, Corgan, and Perkins Eastman top the rankings of the nation's largest architecture firms for nonresidential building and multifamily housing work, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2023 Giants 400 Report.
University Buildings | Aug 7, 2023
Eight-story Vancouver Community College building dedicated to clean energy, electric vehicle education
The Centre for Clean Energy and Automotive Innovation, to be designed by Stantec, will house classrooms, labs, a library and learning center, an Indigenous gathering space, administrative offices, and multiple collaborative learning spaces.
Market Data | Aug 1, 2023
Nonresidential construction spending increases slightly in June
National nonresidential construction spending increased 0.1% in June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. Spending is up 18% over the past 12 months. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.07 trillion in June.
K-12 Schools | Jul 31, 2023
Austin’s new Rosedale School serves students with special needs aged 3 to 22
In Austin, the Rosedale School has opened for students with special needs aged 3 to 22. The new facility features sensory rooms, fully accessible playgrounds and gardens, community meeting spaces, and an on-site clinic. The school serves 100 learners with special needs from across Austin Independent School District (ISD).
Market Data | Jul 24, 2023
Leading economists call for 2% increase in building construction spending in 2024
Following a 19.7% surge in spending for commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings in 2023, leading construction industry economists expect spending growth to come back to earth in 2024, according to the July 2023 AIA Consensus Construction Forecast Panel.
Mass Timber | Jul 11, 2023
5 solutions to acoustic issues in mass timber buildings
For all its advantages, mass timber also has a less-heralded quality: its acoustic challenges. Exposed wood ceilings and floors have led to issues with excessive noise. Mass timber experts offer practical solutions to the top five acoustic issues in mass timber buildings.
School Construction | Jun 29, 2023
K-12 school construction: 5 ways strong community relations can lead to success
When constructing a K-12 school, building positive relationships with the community—including students, parents, school staff and residents—is critical to the success of the project. Here are five ways Skanska puts the community first when building K-12 schools in the Pacific Northwest.
University Buildings | Jun 26, 2023
Univ. of Calif. Riverside’s plant research facility enables year-round plant growth
The University of California, Riverside’s new plant research facility, a state-of-the-art greenhouse with best-in-class research and climate control technologies, recently held its grand opening. Construction of the two-story, 30,000 sf facility was completed in 2021. It then went through two years of preparation and testing.
