The IOE Building, last updated in 1998 will undergo a 8,850-square-foot renovation to increase spaces for collaboration, learning, research and community building.
The University of Michigan’s Board of Regents approved a $4.5 million renovation for the U-M Industrial and Operations Engineering (IOE) Building during their meeting on February 15. The 8,850-square-foot renovation will include an expansive community space, a collaboration lab, a variety of individual and group meeting spaces, a personal room, a maker space, a recording room and more. The remodeling is set to begin in May 2024, with a proposed end date of December 2024.
“The variety of spaces offered through the IOE Building renovation will help foster a stronger sense of community and collaboration in our department,” said IOE PhD student Jacqueline Hannan. “I am especially looking forward to the new IOE common space, which will provide an open space for hosting events and connecting with others throughout the day.”
The IOE Building, last updated in 1998, currently lacks spaces to foster interaction, learning and research for the students, faculty and staff in the department. Brian Denton, the previous IOE Department Chair and current Stephen M. Pollock Collegiate Professor of Industrial and Operations Engineering, advocated for the renovation, emphasizing the need for improved multi-use spaces.
“The planned renovation to the IOE Building is an exciting opportunity to enhance our collaborative space for students, staff, and faculty to work together in pursuit of excellence in the department’s dual education and research missions,” said Denton.
Community Suite
The expanded IOE community suite will allow space for over 50 people to gather together comfortably for collaborative work, events or studying. This multifunctional area will be equipped with diverse seating options, a student-accessible printer, a basic kitchenette, collaboration-friendly whiteboards and a peer advisory office.
Collaboration Lab
The lab, which features three unique configurations, can support general departmental needs, training sessions and seminars with attendance of up to 80 people. The space was purposely and carefully designed to accommodate as many people and situations as possible to maximize its impact.
Maker Space
The maker’s space is slated to include several 3D printers to support IOE research. It will also have a sink, several tables and a large central tabletop to allow room for project creation.
Team Space
The multi-functional space can hold 16 people or be partitioned in half to support two groups of eight. Regardless of room size, each space will host a screen and oversized whiteboard space to enhance the collaboration and the learning experience.
Faculty and staff lounge
The lounge will provide a quiet place for faculty and staff to connect during their work day. Much like the expanded community space it will feature a small kitchenette, storage, a small seating area, and a screen that plays through department events, awards and other relevant announcements.
Individual and small group meeting rooms
Intermingled within these larger facilities will be individual study pods and small group meeting rooms. These study pods will include a desk, a chair, and a door that closes to provide a private space for concentrated learning, job interviews and confidential conversations. The smaller meeting rooms will cater to student groups working on shared projects.
Updated Lobby Rooms
The lobby rooms on both the left and right sides of the main entrance will be restructured to contain two single-room restrooms, two individual study areas, and two small meeting rooms along with a water fountain in the hallway. This part of the remodel is expected to be completed in late August 2024.
Personal room
The personal room will serve as a private retreat for individuals needing a space for nursing, administering medicine or some alone time.