CMU @ Mill 19, Robotics + Manufacturing Workforce Training Center

Located within the Hazelwood Green Development, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) at Mill 19 exists at the intersection of industry, research and education and seeks to build inter-connectivity to pull people out of siloed thinking. Flex Labs offer space for incubator initiatives and promote collaboration amongst industry partners with fenestrated collaboration pods for visibility into and out of the space. The high bay is a 10,000 sq. ft., open workshop for large robotic equipment. A 10-ton crane provides easy equipment movement, making the space highly adaptable to shifting needs. At the end of the high bay, a large curtain wall looks out onto Hazelwood Green’s Public Plaza — the heart of the new development.

CMU’s collaborative spirit is woven into the interior design strategy, with flexible spaces to support the nimble, interdisciplinary work required to make the future of manufacturing a reality. A series of interconnective spaces within the collaboration network, including a gallery stair, lobby, and high bay flex space balcony provide clear sight lines and visual variability, showcasing the diverse program. This interconnected, open workplace fosters collaboration across departments, making this a bustling hub for creativity with plenty of visual stimulation.
Sweeping views to the surrounding green space, outdoor balconies, and patios support wellness and a connection to nature. Fluid, organic forms serve as a recurring motif throughout the space, encouraging movement and creating a more human-centered environment. The layered and angled geometry serve as a distinguishable language within the space, creating dynamic and holistic connections within the building’s network.

Completed

2019

Size

60,000 sf

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Sustainability

LEED Gold

Role

Interior Architecture (Prime), Core + Shell Architecture with MSR Architects

Program

High bay flexible purpose space, Low bay flexible dry lab flexible purpose space, Meeting / Conference / Breakout space, Office space, Circulation / Core Spaces, Shell space

Awards + Recognition

WESA, Pittsburgh’s NPR Station (2019)
Next Pittsburgh (2019)
2019 AIA Pittsburgh Merit Award
2019 AIA Pennsylvania Silver Medal Award
HOME by Pittsburgh magazine (2020)
2021 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence

POWERING INDUSTRY INNOVATION

Located within the Hazelwood Green Development, Carnegie Mellon University at Mill 19 uses a multi-disciplinary approach to the future of manufacturing. The facility exists at the intersection of industry, research, and education. The old relic of the Mill’s structure serves as an homage to the former industrial manufacturing site while perpetuating the smart manufacturing revolution. Ultimately, the project aims to build inter-connectivity between people, spaces, and technology; and to foster collaboration and partnerships to get people out of their silos.

The facility houses the headquarters for the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute and CMU’s Manufacturing Futures Initiative. The “Workplace” serves as a catalyst to spark innovation and foster collaboration for the next generation of manufacturing.

FORM-MAKING APPROACH

Fluid forms were inserted into the plan to encourage movement and to become a commonality between the diverse program environments. The layered and angled geometry serves as a distinguishable language within the building, creating dynamic and holistic connections within the building’s network.

EXPANSIVE WORKFORCE TRAINING

The “Workforce Training Center” is the premier conference center for advanced manufacturing. The center is flanked by two pre-function areas for trade shows, events, and check-in space. The wooden black box sits within fluid ceiling elements, which can accommodate 200 people to educate the next generation of workforce training. The training center features an operable partition, dividing the space in half for maximum flexibility. The room is acoustically separated with double-wall construction and an acoustic slab. Despite more robust acoustic construction techniques, the room provides views into the high bay space for visual continuity.

MATERIAL PAST + PRESENT

Harkening back to the past, a raw cold-formed steel sheet was selected as the feature building material. The metal panel references the past mill structure and the contemporary office building. The exterior metal panel is installed as a part of the sleek building form of the contemporary office. Furthermore, the metal panel references future growth as a free-flowing progressive material. The interior metal panel is fabricated within the unique forms of the interior spaces.

FLEXIBLE LABORATORY SPACE

The Flex Labs offer space for incubator initiatives and to further promote collaboration amongst industry partners. The labs are provided with fenestrated collaboration pods for transparency into and out of the space. Furthermore, the pods are equipped with concealed garage doors for moving large equipment in the labs. The pods also contain flexible furniture and monitors for impromptu meetings and a stopping point for frequent tours.

HIGH BAY + MEZZANINE

The high bay is a 10,000 SF flexible open workshop for assorted high-volume equipment. The space is provided with a 10-ton crane for additional flexibility and movement of equipment. At the end of the high bay, a large curtain wall looks out onto Hazelwood Green’s “Plaza” – the heart of the new development.

OUTREACH + INVITATION

The project aims to build inter-connectivity between people, spaces, and technology, fostering collaboration and partnerships to create innovative eco-friendly solutions for manufacturing in the fourth industrial revolution. Public, private, institutional, and local partners will be welcomed into the facility to engage in educational programming and collaborative efforts which will directly benefit the local economy. This will become a hub for interdisciplinary manufacturing innovation, bringing the surrounding community, larger regional partners, and international experts together to problem-solve the challenges we face on a local and global scale to envision a more sustainable and equitable future.

A COLLABORATIVE NETWORK

A series of interconnective spaces within the collaboration network; including the gallery stair, lobby, and high bayprovide sensory change and variability, increased visibility, and further synthesis of the diverse program. People in the workplace can enhance performance, health, and wellness when they have access to these interconnective spaces. When the work environment is not stimulating, employees lose focus and creative drive. As such, an environment devoid of sensory stimulation and variability can lead to boredom and passivity.

BIOPHILLIC ROOTS

The design incorporates aspects of the 14 patterns of Biophilic Design, positively stimulating human health and behavior. The stimulating environment encourages movement and interconnective spaces to provide a collaborative atmosphere for innovative solutions for the future of manufacturing. People lose focus and creative drive when the work environment is not stimulating. Environments devoid of sensory stimulation and variability can lead to boredom and passivity.