Rochester Institute of Technology Combines Arts and Tech with $120 Million SHED

The new gateway to the campus of the Rochester Institute of Technology features the 180,000-square-foot Student Hall for Exploration and Development. Unlike what one might expect from a tech-focused campus, this building does not showcase robotics or engineering feats. Instead, visitors will find two nearly transparent cubes that offer views into different activities. In one cube, actors rehearse for a theater performance, while in the other, students practice their moves in a dance studio.

Upon entering the $120 million building, one can see the theater area adjacent to glass-walled maker spaces, all overlooking a crescent-shaped atrium. The workshops are equipped with a variety of benches and machine tools, each connected to the ceiling by electrical cords and exhaust hoods. Garage-style doors open up to allow passersby to peek inside and see the projects being invented and improved within.

Overall, the Student Hall for Exploration and Development provides a unique and collaborative space for students to explore different areas of interest and work on projects. It serves as a hub for creativity and innovation, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning experiences. Whether participating in theater rehearsals, dance practices, or maker workshops, students are encouraged to experiment, create, and grow within this dynamic environment.