of innovation An educational instrument tuned to the needs of the 21st century, Marquette’s new Engineering Hall opens up the learning process and creates a dynamic setting for finding solutions to global problems. In the twilight, Engineering Hall is transfixing, crystalline, alive with activity, glowing from within. It is a citadel of glass, nearly transparent, embodying a primary principle that guided its design — engineering on display. Dr. Robert H. Bishop, OPUS Dean of the College of Engineering, explains: “When people are standing at the bus stop out in front of the building, I want them to see engineers doing what they do, but, as important, I want the engineering faculty and students to be able to look out and see the world that they are helping. That transparency will guide us and keep us connected.” The 115,000-square-foot Engineering Hall is the first phase of a planned 250,000-square-foot facility. “The building is great. It’s beautiful,” says Dr. Michael Switzenbaum,
executive associate dean, “ ... but what I’m really excited about is the position it places the college in ... ready to serve the needs of students for the next 50 or 100 years.” The $50 million for the existing 115,000 square feet, the technology, the labs and all equipment were bought without borrowing and without bonds. When the balance of the building is completed, the entire project will represent a $100 million investment in 21st-century engineering education. In Bishop’s mind, it’s worth every penny because, “I personally think that engineers are going to save the world.” Today’s headlines warn us of hardships ahead — from shortages of fresh water to global competition for finite
John Nienhuis
Night time is the right time to see Engineering Hall at work, facilitating collaborative learning (middle photo), while daytime sends light streaming into the Engineering Materials and Structures Testing Laboratory with its 30-foot-high ceiling, 10-ton crane, strong wall and strong floor (this page). At far left, lockers of every shape and size hold student projects and students use abundant flexible space to their advantage. November 2011 // 4