Florida Atlantic University, Engineering & Computer Science Building

As an internationally recognized University for cutting edge research and education in the areas of computer science and artificial intelligence (AI), computer engineering, electrical engineering, bioengineering, civil, environmental and geomatics engineering, mechanical engineering, and ocean engineering, the Florida Atlantic University needed to expand its research laboratory and learning spaces where students could gain the knowledge to design tomorrow’s innovative, nimble and intelligent processes. The new 97,000-square-foot, five-story facility includes state-of-the-art hands-on teaching labs, classrooms, as well as a visualized cloud computing infrastructure, enabling the use of information technology resources on demand.

Focusing on the Students and Processes: Upon arriving in the lobby, students and users are submerged with interactive learning on displays. Systems such as temperature, water flows, energy usage, and pressure valves are celebrated, showcasing real-time usage of the building, creating an interactive tool that changes the way engineering is taught. As the student travels deeper within the building they are immersed with engineering education and collaboration spaces that spill out of the classrooms and into the central commons, exposing the engineering design process to students of other disciplines utilizing the wide range of classrooms.

Student Driven Spaces: As you travel vertically through the building, programming elements strengthen cross-disciplinary environments that bring students and faculty together in unexpected ways and change the way engineering is taught. Student-driven project spaces feature computer engineering spaces, computer build/circuitry labs, electronic engineering research labs, bio informatics labs, general classrooms, open and collaborative user spaces, individual focus spaces, and problem-solving rooms for more concentrated, undisturbed learning.

LEED Platinum Design: Since science buildings are typically energy-consuming by nature, the University and our project team wanted to build a facility that would showcase the University’s commitment to sustainability. Some of the green elements included chilled beam technology, temperature and lighting control systems, solar hot water system, elevation features designed to increase energy efficiency, north facing skylights for diffused lighting in computer science labs and offices, and a green roof.