>newground
It started out as a simple conversation and then it snowballed. Two IUPUI administrators met to discuss redesigning the interior of the Education/Social Work Building. The idea was to create different learning spaces for the students.
Initially, the plan was to have some of the city’s best design firms compete with each other. That changed at the first meeting. Instead, representatives from each of the firms—RJE business interiors, CSO Architects, Inc., Maregatti Interiors, and Rowland Design, Inc.—thought it best to collaborate. Denny Sponsel of RJE business interiors agreed to coordinate between them.
As Maregatti President Ana Pinto Maregatti put it, “Everyone thought it would be better if the firms submitted some initial schemes. From the original six or seven, four were selected. Those became the basis for the collaboration.”
As Sponsel called around lining up samples, he found that virtually every partner he spoke with was interested in donating materials. “It was amazing how everyone got behind this project so quickly. Many of the partners had never given to IU before, but something about this particular project made everyone want to join.” When all is said and done, the total of the donated materials and time comes to about $400,000.
According to Maregatti, “The beauty of this project is that different types of students will gravitate to the different types of spaces. It’s all about choices. More light, less light, colors and textures, all play a part in what makes us comfortable. It will be fascinating to learn which students prefer which spaces.”
Unveiled during Explore IUPUI in September, the learning spaces are unlike any other area on campus. Sponsel added, “From lighting to paint and window treatments, a lot of time, effort, and ingenuity went into this project. It was unbelievable to watch the talent and friendliness in an experiment like this.”
“The beneficiaries of all this time and talent are the students,” said IUPUI Chancellor Charles R. Bantz. “The many partners that made this project succeed deserve our praise and gratitude for their extraordinary teamwork and generosity."
And if the creativity that went into it is any indication, this grand experiment will be an unmitigated success.
>Geoff Pollock
See a slideshow of the IUPUI learning spaces.
Who contributed? Roll over the titles below to find out:
Coordinating Partners
Community Partners
University Partners