Below is an excerpt from the architects website:

“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 will be working 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 complimentary 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.”