Carleton University has broken ground on a $16-million facility for its Faculty of Engineering and Design aimed at triggering new “collaborative opportunities” with industry partners and providing more hands-on learning experiences for students.
Construction on the new 25,000-square-foot Engineering Design Centre on Library Road began earlier this month. The facility will provide space for fourth-year students to work together on design projects.
The three-storey building designed in a joint venture by Diamond Schmitt Architects and KWC Architects will feature a makerspace with technology such as laser and waterjet cutters, 3D printers and injection moulding machines as well as design studios, workshops and meeting areas.
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Engineering and design dean Larry Kostiuk said the new space will combine both theory and practice.
“For students, fourth-year projects are much like working on a startup – serving as an opportunity to explore new ideas that require sustained commitment, critical thinking and improvisational skill,” Kostiuk told the university website.
“Having a dedicated physical space where students can work together towards a shared goal helps them gain valuable transferable skills for the future.”
The university said it is “keen to collaborate” with local companies to help prepare students to tackle real-world problems.
“Alumni and partners can help enhance the long-term vision for the building by developing new collaborative opportunities and adding leading technology so that students and community can work together on shared challenges,” the university said in a news release.
The new Engineering Design Centre is expected to open in the fall of 2021.
