Experiential Learning Unleashed: Inside the $120 Million Student Hall for Exploration and Development at RIT

The new Student Hall for Exploration and Development at the Rochester Institute of Technology is an impressive building that serves as the gateway to the campus. Unlike traditional academic buildings on campus, this 180,000-square-foot facility does not showcase robotics or engineering feats. Instead, visitors can peer into two transparent cubes where theater actors and dance students are practicing their craft.

As you enter the $120 million building, you will notice the theater space adjacent to glass-walled maker spaces. The theater overlooks a crescent-shaped atrium, creating a unique environment for creativity and collaboration. The maker spaces are equipped with a wide range of benches and machine tools that are connected to the ceiling with electrical cords and exhaust hoods. Garage-style doors in these spaces open up to invite passersby to observe the innovative projects being developed within.

The design of the Student Hall for Exploration and Development encourages interaction and exploration among students and faculty members. It provides a dynamic environment for creative expression and innovation, blurring the lines between different disciplines and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The building symbolizes RIT’s commitment to experiential learning and hands-on education, offering students a space to explore, experiment, and develop their talents. With its unique features and state-of-the-art facilities, the Student Hall for Exploration and Development is a testament to RIT’s dedication to providing a cutting-edge learning environment for its students.

RIT has invested heavily in this project with $120 million dollars allocated towards it’s construction. As you walk through its doors, you will be greeted by an open concept layout that allows for easy movement between different areas of study. The atrium is designed with flexibility in mind so that it can accommodate large events or be used as a collaborative workspace.

The theater space is one of many unique features of this building that sets it apart from traditional academic buildings on campus. It provides students with an opportunity to practice their craft in front of others while also being able to see how their work fits into larger productions.

In addition to the theater space, there are also several glass walls that offer transparency into various labs where research is taking place.

Overall, this building represents RIT’s commitment to experiential learning by providing students with a space where they can explore their interests outside of traditional classroom settings.