Florida Polytechnic University, the only public polytechnic university within the State University System of Florida, sought to enhance its research and development capabilities with the construction of a new engineering facility. This building’s intent is to support the Applied Research Center and complement the innovative design of the existing Innovation, Science, and Technology Building. Our design for the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Building 1, in partnership with CPPI Construction, fosters an environment where diverse and potentially large teams can collaborate and innovate side by side. Our design accomplishes this by integrating principles of place, innovation, and modularity to maximize both function and building efficiency. The facility features an innovative hub where engineering students can research, experiment, and interact in a vibrant courtyard and outdoor learning plaza, establishing a seamless connection with the campus fabric. Additionally, our design cleverly embraces the building’s dual roles, serving as both a makerspace and a social hub for student interaction. Key elements include a central atrium that emphasizes the act of “making,” providing a dynamic space for student interaction and multidisciplinary engagement.
The scope of the fully realized Gary C. Wendt Engineering Building included a 40,000-SF, two-story building, split into two phases. The first phase focused on the design and shell construction of the entire facility and the buildout of approximately 12,000 SF of usable first-floor space with subsequent buildout phases to follow as funding allows. The design incorporated raw materials and exposed structural elements to reflect the iterative and hands-on nature of student learning across various disciplines and majors. The facility includes four flexible working labs for civil and mechanical engineering programs, core building support spaces, an office suite with six offices and a conference room, a welcoming front entry/student collaboration zone, and shelled areas for future office and lab expansions throughout the ground floor.
