Chiang-Elghanayan Center for Innovation and Collaboration

This ground-floor laboratory/workshop provides “messy space” for creation, invention and learning. It brings the capabilities of the well-used Park Street maker space to the heart of campus, opening up new opportunities for hands-on project work.

The maker space includes the following equipment:

• Laser engraving system, which engraves, cuts and marks all types of materials, up to 40 x 28 inches
• Vinyl cutter, which creates images and signage using a computer-controlled plotter that cuts vinyl for transfer to walls, windows, banners and fabric
• Dye sublimation print system, which creates transfers on heat-resistant paper for digital decorating of plastic, cards, paper or fabric
• Wide-format color printer that creates photo-quality prints up to 11 x 17 inches
• 3D scanner that creates digital 3D models of real-world objects
• Three 3D printers that produce 3D parts using ABS or PLA plastic
• An electronics workstation where students can assemble and test electronic components, including arduino, LEDs, sensors and motors
• Power and hand tools, including a band saw, sliding compound miter saw, jig saw, Dremel, hand drill, sander, wire cutters, wrenches and more

A signature space in the Chiang-Elghanayan Center, the Forum is a large, central, semi-circular open area with an atrium ceiling that extends to the second floor. Furnished with white boards and comfortable, modular seating, it is ringed by windows that provide views to the landscaping outside, as well as views into the conference and team rooms that surround it. Effectively sized and technology-rich, the space is easily configurable for large and small classes, meetings and seminars, and is home to our renowned Society of Skeptics lectures, as well as offering convening space for full faculty meetings, student organizations, and programs that connect alumni, students, faculty and members of the surrounding community.

A first-floor, glass-walled classroom and a smaller, second-floor lab, each fully equipped with Macintosh computers, industry-current Adobe Creative Cloud software and video/audio production equipment, are devoted to independent and fine arts class digital media projects. Critical communication, storytelling and narrative skills are highlighted as students leverage filmmaking and production technology in these centrally located and easily accessible labs.

The first-floor media lab features five digital audio workstations that are equipped with LogicPro X, a professional music editing and producing software; Finale, a professional musical notation software; and full 88-key MIDI keyboards that can be programmed with virtually any sound imaginable. Students enrolled in Blair’s digital music/songwriting class record original compositions on multiple tracks in the recording studio (located adjacent to the media lab), then transfer these compositions to the media lab for editing, mixing and final production.

Two dedicated classrooms on the second floor house computer science, robotics and engineering classes. Students do not need to set up/break down projects at the start and end of every class, and they can work on their projects during free time. Blair’s robotics team meets after school and competes during the fall and winter months; in recent years, the team has won the Cliffside Cliffhanger competition.

Blair’s recording studio is immediately adjacent to the first-floor media lab; here, students record their original compositions on multiple tracks, which can then be transferred to the media lab for editing and mixing. Students enrolled in Blair’s digital music/songwriting class use to this equipment to write, record, and produce their original compositions.

The photo studio and green screen room provide space for students to test controlled photo and video shots with specific needs in mind. From the control room next door, lighting and audio input levels can be adjusted, and the studio is equipped with several professional-grade lighting setups for a variety of project requirements. Blair’s photographers and videographers have the opportunity to take their creativity to the next level while leveraging the best tools in the business.

The Chiang-Elghanayan Center’s third floor is dedicated to fine arts instruction, and the central space is occupied by an open, airy studio. The space is flooded with natural light pouring through large windows and skylights; surrounding classrooms are glass-walled to allow for light and promote active collaboration. The architecture classroom is equipped with drawing tables, white boards, an audiovisual system and all the tools necessary for drafting and design. Across the studio, the digital photography classroom is furnished with spacious worktables, a photo printer and ample display areas for student work. The space is open to students who want to do artwork during their free blocks, evening hours and weekends.

A ceramics studio is located on the Chiang-Elghanayan Center’s ground floor. Fully equipped for all manner of ceramics projects, the studio boasts 14 potter’s wheels, two electric kilns, a raku kiln, a Bailey Pugmill and an audiovisual system. Students working in the ceramics studio also have access to the full array of tools in the adjacent maker space.