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Latest Reports

Tradeline's industry reports are a must-read resource for those involved in facilities planning and management. Reports include management case studies, current and in-depth project profiles, and editorials on the latest facilities management issues.

Montana State University Changes the Way Engineering Students Are Taught

Published 9/6/2017

Inspired by the pioneering vision of alumnus Norm Asbjornson, Montana State University is changing the way engineering students are taught by providing a hands-on active learning environment that fosters collaboration across multiple disciplines and puts science on display. Construction of the three-story, 110,000-sf building began in December 2016, after a comprehensive planning and design stage that spanned 28 months. The $38 million building, designed to anticipate and respond to emerging trends in education and industry, is slated for completion in November 2018, with the first classes taking place in January 2019. A $12 million parking garage will add 550 stalls.

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Superlabs Drive Collaboration, Flexibility, and Space Efficiency in Academic Sciences

Published 8/16/2017

Whether it’s called a superlab, x-lab, or megalab, the growing trend to build combined, larger lab spaces leverages economies of scale, technology, and smart use of perimeter and adjacent space to increase flexibility and improve active student learning. While there is no standard definition of a superlab, generally speaking it is a teaching lab that can accommodate more than one section or one cohort of students.

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Think Sidehouse, Not Penthouse, for Utilities Distribution

Published 8/9/2017

Replacing the traditional penthouse with a ground-breaking sidehouse, the new Health Sciences Building at Canada’s Carleton University represents the latest step in the evolution of academic science facilities. Along with reflecting today’s emphasis on open labs and interdisciplinary collaboration, the building’s fresh approach to utilities distribution improves overall design, lab efficiency, and adaptability for future fit-outs and changes—all while adhering to a very tight budget and construction schedule.

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The Gold Standard of Maker Space at MIT

Published 7/26/2017

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology was facing high demand and frustration among students and faculty unable to access its more than 40 maker spaces, even during non-conventional hours. After evaluating the logistics related to those spaces, totaling 120,000 sf, they developed a new app that illuminates the existing maker spaces, then enlisted the help of student volunteers to oversee some spaces into the evening. MIT also plans to add another 20,000 sf of functional space.

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