Project Name: 

Carnegie Mellon University’s Manufacturing Futures Institute and Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing

Project Square Footage (ft²): 

52,862 sq ft

Year Built: 

2019

Green Building Certifications: 

LEED v4 ID+C: Commercial Interiors

Project Team: 

R3A Architecture, Jendoco Construction Corporation, Bala Consulting Engineers, Studio i Lighting, vizzAcoustics

Please provide a brief description of the project.

Carnegie Mellon University at Mill 19 aims to develop revolutionary modes of manufacturing centered on I.O.T technology, additive manufacturing and advanced robotics. The project seeks to build interconnectivity between people, spaces, and technology; and to foster collaboration and partnerships to create innovative eco-friendly solutions for manufacturing in the fourth industrial revolution.

How did the building's team work together to address sustainability and building performance?

The design provides a flexible, collaborative work environment for the research of eco-friendly solutions for the future of manufacturing. With the help of technologic advancements, a decrease in manufacturing energy consumption will lead to a more sustainable future. The project incorporates aspects of the 14 patterns of biophilic design, positively impacting human health and behavior. The stimulating environment encourages movement and interconnective spaces to provide a collaborative atmosphere for innovative solutions for the future of manufacturing.

What were major challenges in the project related to building performance and how did the project team work to overcome them?

SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES & SOLUTIONS
Contextual
• The former brownfield was able to be utilized by capping the site with 10’ of new soil. Where new excavations occurred, the soil was abated and sent to an ACT 2 site.
Building
• PV Solar Array System was able to be installed on the roof producing 1.98MKwh
• Rainwater Cisterns are used for the Mill 19 development to be used as greywater.
• Preservation of existing Mill Structure to support egress paths and PV Solar Array system.
Interior
• Use of high-performance heat pump system
• Use of high-tech building automation system for efficient mechanical controls
• Abundant natural daylight due to the skinny footprint of the building
-All windows are equipped with user-controlled shading devices
-Windows look out to the city skyline, the river and verdant landscape across the Monongahela.
• Materials and finishes contain a high amount of recycled content, such as the carpet and acoustic ceiling tile
• Energy-efficicent lighting utilizes occupancy sensors
• The stimulating work environment encourages movement and interconnective spaces positively impact human health and behavior

What are your main take-aways or lessons learned from this project? Have these lessons informed other projects?

Though we had a client and certain aspects of the project's program were established and set, the main task for us on the first floor was to create an overall framework of a flexible lab space that could be broken up physically with partitions but also that the HVAC and electrical design were designed to be segregated into separate areas as projects populated the space. We have used the lessons learned on this project on a few others as well. 

What was the intended or actual impact of the project on its users or the surrounding community?

As Dr. Kevin Snider, chancellor of Penn State New Kensington, stated: “I am so excited to welcome you to The Digital Foundry at New Kensington, a state-of-the-art hub for future-readiness in the Pittsburgh region and partnership between the R.K. Mellon Foundation, Penn State New Kensington, the Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland County, and the City of New Kensington. Our journey to this new facility started some years ago when the campus launched its Invent Penn State innovation hub, The Corner, in downtown New Kensington. Originally focused on using entrepreneurship to help revitalize a small, former industry-laden city, we quickly learned that rapid advances in technology were changing the landscape of nearly every industry. We found that true revitalization for Rust Belt and rural areas lay in helping communities, businesses, students, and workers make the transition to the digital age. Our model, called Nextovation™, hopes to help communities become future-ready, and the Digital Foundry is the key component in this transition. In this facility, you will see K-16 students, workers, companies, and community members learning and honing the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. I invite you to explore and join us as we create this model of community collaboration and future-ready preparedness that we hope will be used to improve the futures of those living and working in Rust Belt and rural America.”