HED and the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Sciences developed approximately 8,465 SF of vacant space in Suite 3815 on the third floor of Boelter Hall West into a new Robotics Institute. This space was vacated by the computer science department when it moved locations, thereby providing the school with an opportunity to create ample contiguous space for interdisciplinary research that primarily involves faculty from mechanical and aerospace engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and computer science. The co-location of faculty and students from these departments promotes interdisciplinary research to enable the sharing of expensive equipment and technical staff, enhancing the recruitment of faculty and graduate students, and providing a resource-rich collaborative training environment for students.

The design team utilized several strategies to create a future-focused space for the university. The main entry is defined by colored glass panels and branded graphics, creating a dramatic point of arrival. A primary ‘Main Street’ pathway connects the main entry to the individual research open workshops. By taking a loft-like spatial approach, the series of workshop spaces are visually connected, removing barriers to promote chance encounters between researchers. This open approach further accelerates and promotes interdisciplinary activities and the development of new concepts and innovation.