Grainger VIP Impact Report

GRAINGER FUND FOR UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION RENOVATIONS

ENGINEERING HALL 1313: MECHANICS OF MATERIALS INSTRUCTIONAL LAB

The renovation of this instructional lab significantly transformed the space. The project began with the removal of several interior rooms that lacked visual transparency, cutting off views between the lab and its surroundings. The new design introduced a contemporary layout that enhances natural lighting and creates clear sightlines within the lab, allowing passersby to observe testing equipment in action and fostering curiosity. As part of the renovation, outdated testing equipment — some of which was more than 70 years old — was replaced with a state-of-the-art teaching apparatus. Additionally, a new hydraulic system was installed to meet the demands of modern testing equipment. The renovation also included the creation of a collaborative area, providing a space for group work and discussion along with the integration of advanced audiovisual equipment to enrich the instructional experience. ENGINEERING HALL 1542: ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING INSTRUCTIONAL LAB The renovation project involved reconfiguring rooms and walls to resolve building code and security issues related to egress through a lab space. To modernize the facility, the utility infrastructure for power and data was upgraded to support the new lab benches and updated equipment, which were due for replacement. Additionally, a new fabrication room was constructed to complement the existing instructional labs, providing enhanced support for ongoing educational activities.

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