FGM Architects, SIUE Engineering Student Design Center, Edwardsville

By ROBERTA CODEMO
    Work is continuing on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Engineering Student Design Center. Phase two is scheduled to begin this October with an estimated completion date of spring 2019. The estimated $1.2 million project was funded through private donations from Engineering School alumni and local industry leaders.
    Remaining work includes adding office space, a large conference room and a collaborative design lab on the upper floor. Project manager Jerrod Joggerst, AIA with FGM Architects said the design lab will be the first like this at the engineering building.
    The design lab will feature flexible design stations that will allow students to adjust the station configuration to fit the group size and project scope they are developing. The design lab will allow students to reserve a station for the semester and develop their project designs. This room will accommodate the senior design project presentations. Students will be able to fabricate their designs at the lower level workshops.
    “This gives the students the opportunity to develop both their design and hands-on technical skills, which sets them apart in the workforce,” said Joggerst. “Many area companies in the marketplace find the graduates they hire to be well-rounded professionals.”
    Phase one was completed in July 2017 at an estimated cost of $4.5 million. A 12,400-square-foot, two-story building addition was added on the north side of the existing Engineering Building, located at 61 Circle Drive.
    The design features a curved stone wall with fully glazed overhead doors highlighting prototyping and fabricating work bays for the formula one, Baja car and solar car program. The floor has space dedicated to concrete engineering, rapid prototyping, 3D printing and electronics.
    FGM Architects worked diligently with SIUE to pursue LEED Silver certification by implementing sustainable design features to optimize energy performance, reduce water usage and incorporate regional materials and recycled content in the project.
    FGM has a long history with SIUE School of Engineering, designing the original building in 2000 and company officials said they are excited to see the school grow with these projects.