Planning For Excellence

The University of Michigan College of Engineering commissioned HDR to provide an in-depth analysis of the number, type and functionality of spaces in eight of its departments.

Our work included conducting a full assessment (data analysis, living dashboard, future growth model and scenario planning) and updating programs for a range of engineering departments, including: 

• Aerospace engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Robotics
• Electrical and computer engineering

Building for Future Growth 

The scope of this study focused on five major space types: classrooms, instructional labs/open labs/maker spaces, research labs, offices/workplace, and formal/informal collaboration spaces. Based on the findings from the existing space and decompression analyses, the study developed recommendations for the following: 

• A New Teaching and Learning Building (NTLB) to provide active learning classrooms, teaching labs, informal study space and project team space  
• A two-wing New Research Building (NRB) to provide state-of-the-art engineering research labs, allowing the College of Engineering to meet its growth needs and utilize departmental space 

Additional recommendations within the study include: 

• Grouping departments to encourage more interdepartmental and interdisciplinary research
• Creating designated formal and informal interaction spaces for student collaboration
• Providing teaching space, both in the NTLB and in strategic renovations, that allows for classrooms and teaching labs geared toward active learning modalities  
• Creating flexible research space with environmental characteristics needed for the stringent requirements of modern engineering research
• Alleviating poor Facility Condition Index (FCI) rated systems and buildings, achieving more efficient operating costs and promoting efficient, safe working environments and possibly future building sites