ESD Behind-the-Scenes Tours

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University of Michigan-Dearborn, Engineering Lab Building  

Friday, October 6, 2023
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Arrive and Check-In
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Tour

2022 ESD Construction & Design Honorable Mention

The engineering program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn required a new, more modern building. They teamed up with SmithGroup and Granger Construction to meet the demands of its students and faculty who needed a facility that could evolve with rapidly changing technologies. Tour attendees will get an insider’s look at the new Engineering Lab Building (ELB) that was completed in February 2021.

The $90 million project consisted of approximately 57,000 square feet of renovation and 66,000 square feet of new building construction. The project can be broken into three components: a high-bay building renovation, a three-story addition, and a large double height atrium to connect them.

It is now home of the engineering and computer science programs.  The new ELB features 45 instructional and research labs in core disciplines like mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as emerging subjects like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, bioengineering and game design.

The classrooms have adaptable layouts to encourage student collaboration, and state-of-the-art labs allow for faculty research with student involvement. Huge windows were added to flood the building with natural light. Glass interior walls let visitors see directly into many labs, as the work is happening.

Its 2,400-square-foot atrium, which features a 29-foot digital display, is now the largest campus gathering space at UM-Dearborn outside of the Fieldhouse. The atrium extends and envelopes a main pedestrian pathway, opening to the vehicular and pedestrian sides of campus. The atrium provides opportunities for competitions, community outreach and recruitment events.

The design reinforces this area as the heart of engineering and student life on campus. The new ELB accommodates innovative programs, with a design that focuses on the student learning experience.

Cost: $25 for ESD members. Non-members can join ESD for $99 as a Professional Member and attend the tour for free; $36 to join as a Retired Member and attend for free; $26 to join as a Student Member and attend for free.

To Register: Register online by using the link to the upper right or call 248-353-0735 to register by phone.

For More Information: Contact Elana Shelef at 248-353-0735, ext. 119 or eshelef@esd.org.