Mac Lab Redesign
The Mac Lab is a space full of creative resources for Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) Art + Design students, professors, and faculty. The lab allows users to effectively work and collaborate with one another to foster innovation. Noticing that the lab was not being utilized, the department recognized a need to revitalize the Mac Lab. My team and I were tasked with envisioning and creating a plan that mobilizes a new workflow within the existing space.
SCOPE
Design Research & Stratgey
Environmental Design
Space Planning
The goals:
Create easy accessibility to resources
Develop clear direction and stations
Encourage creativity and collaboration
The final floor plan embraces an open workflow environment creating a sense of movement and community, while still ensuring a sensitivity to individual work.
Photo Credit: IWU Art +Design
OLD LAYOUT
The Mac Lab lacked efficient workflow and unclear direction and organization of stations within the space. This made the space feel stressful, cluttered, and uninviting, which hindered the students’ desire to utilize the available resources.
The north-facing perspective provides a view of the three main working stations: collaboration, prep, and individual. The versatility of each work station creates many options for the students to work and adjust according to their workspace needs.
The east-facing perspective provides a view of the collaborative work space, as well as a wall for students’ finished work. In addition to the group clusters, students have the option to work and socialize in the standing/bar area and lounge area.
The west-facing perspective provides a view of the prep work space, as well as the lab monitor’s station. Similar to the idea of a finished work wall, on the opposite wall will be a place dedicated to students’ process work for feedback and inspiration.
Photo Credit: IWU Art +Design
UPDATED LAYOUT