Clemson University – Carroll A. Campbell Jr. Graduate Engineering Center
Project Description
The Carroll A. Campbell Jr. Graduate Engineering Center is the first academic building of a new automotive engineering and research campus for Clemson University. Guidelines that served as the foundation for the development of the Graduate Engineering Center include:
- satisfy the functional requirements of the programs of research and teaching
- empower the individual student
- sponsor both specialized and collective research
- satisfy the aspirations of the partnership between industry, academia and the public
- encourage collaboration
- be emblematic and incorporate a unique integration of the automobile
- be environmentally responsible and sustainable
- have a defined plan for growth and expansion
Research conducted at the Graduate Engineering Center focuses on systems integration with concentrations in Lightweight Design, Manufacturing and Electronics with a chaired professorship for each. The specific program elements associated with each element concentration are clustered around the chaired professor’s suite of offices and research labs. Because a multitude of individuals work on projects related to / or within the research coordinated by these chairs, there are a variety of flexible spaces. While each individual pursues his or her own work, there is collaboration, room for informal discussion and a sense of community. A component of the research sector is the introduction of industry, both in the presence of individuals from the various fields as well as support of certain research. The results of the research being performed at the center benefit both the University and industry.
The teaching component of the Graduate Engineering Center curriculum centers on mechanical engineering. The school is comprised of Masters Degree, Post-Doctoral and Doctoral students as well as faculty members, visiting faculty, partners and assistant faculty. The Center also houses complementary administrative functions. The school anticipates an initial annual enrollment of forty graduate students with the expectation of growth to over one hundred students per year.
The third component of the building is the public function which includes classrooms, auditorium, café, library and lobby / display spaces. While several portions of the building may not be physically accessible, many are visually accessible encouraging a broader exchange with the general public.
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