The second phase of Ohio State’s Biomedical and Materials Engineering Complex project is a $94.3 million project that maximizes collaborative learning and research. It will be the home of first-year engineering courses, a makerspace, biomedical and advanced materials R&D, and engaging K-12 STEM programs.
The project includes the demolition of Watts Hall and renovates existing MacQuigg Hall. An addition will be constructed that will house research and teaching labs, collaboration spaces, offices, and classroom space. BMEC Phase 1, later renamed Mars G. Fontana Laboratories, opened in August 2020 and was a $59.1 million project that renovated the former Koffolt Lab and Fontana Lab to create additional research, classroom and office space. It houses the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Materials Sciences and Engineering.
When paired with the Mars G. Fontana Laboratories, the Biomedical and Materials Engineering Complex Phase 2 will create a single, unified facility to meet the research and teaching needs of the College of Engineering. Phase 2 adds innovative, high-performance teaching laboratories for Biomedical Engineering, Material Sciences Engineering, and Electrical and Computer Engineering, as well as a new Dean’s suite, modern workplace environments for the College of Engineering Administration, faculty and post-doctoral offices, and study areas. Significant landscape improvements, including an entry plaza, an outdoor makerspace area, and an extended green space on the north side will be created as existing and new facilities are brought together.
The design for this 124,000-SF project supports the concept of ‘Engineering on Display’ through the integration of public spaces to tell the story of business and engineering collaborations. Research laboratories and makerspaces will optimize and enhance opportunities for research and education. Co-located engineering departments will facilitate interaction and resource sharing between disciplines, and makerspaces will provide opportunities for hands-on exploration and experimentation. Teaching laboratories will have modular and flexible furnishings as well as integrated technologies. The facility will be designed for future flexibility and to support engineering education in an adaptable and dynamic environment that meets the needs of students in the coming years. Ennead was the design architect through Design Development.
