Approach
The Ohio State University “Faculty Innovation Center” created in Campbell Hall for the Office of Distance Education and eLearning (ODEE) features:
- a flexible 70 student classroom-in-the-round
- a mock board room for practice with “green screen” technologies and teleconferencing
- an informal breakout space for small, casual group interactions
- a hospitality bar serving visitors from across the State to learn the most innovative methods for technology-augmented teaching
Creative and thorough integration of technology was critical to making this oddly-shaped space both functional and flexible, allowing for a variety of technology-related educational uses, including video lectures for students at OSU, distance-learning for students not on campus, and teacher-training on how to leverage technology to optimize coursework.
MA Design worked closely with ODEE’s I/T and A/V specialists to assure that mechanical, electrical and lighting systems were customized for their unique needs, fostering an optimal technology-integrated learning environment.
Compliant with OSU branding standards, our design for the Innovation Center features specific ODEE architectural brand elements to create a consistent sub-brand for this department at Ohio State. Also, with the space being below grade, we were challenged to find creative ways to incorporate stairways, yet also be accessible. To solve this, we added ramps to the interior main entry to provide accessibility, then designed the exterior stairway to serve three purposes – offering stadium seating for the classroom space, allowing access to an interior courtyard for more break-out learning opportunities, and serving as our required second exit.
The project was awarded Bronze Citation – Classrooms – 2020 Architectural Portfolio from American School & University.
