University of Maine Green Engineering & Materials Factory of the Future

University of Maine Green Engineering & Materials Factory of the Future

The University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) looks to build on its reputation as a national and international leader in commercially scaled, next-generation research and development on composite materials and structures. SMRT teamed with Grimshaw Architects and structural engineer Thornton Tomasetti for the Green Engineering and Materials (GEM) Research Factory of the Future, a first-of-its-kind test bed for the largest next-generation additive manufacturing labs in the world and academic learning spaces for the Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC).

This project aims to reinforce the University’s Carnegie R1 research designation by becoming a global center for green engineering and materials. The Factory is a combined academic and research facility designed to foster collaboration with industry and government partners and train the next generation of the manufacturing workforce.

Key to the design’s success is meticulous planning and collaboration with stakeholders to understand and meet current and future needs. Integral to this process was the coordination with Grimshaw, Thornton Tomasetti, and equipment vendors to ensure that the infrastructure supports sensitive and specialized equipment and remains flexible and adaptive to future technological advancements.

Stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, community partners, and commercial partners, are actively engaged in the project’s development.

Client
University of Maine
Location
Orono, ME
Square Feet
46,000
This project transforms the university's campus, providing a hub for students, faculty, industry partners, and community members. Located on the east entrance of campus, this building will become a cornerstone of the university's campus fabric.
The atrium, known as the GEM Gateway, is a communal space for students to connect and for large groups and visitors to gather. It incorporates the use of mass timber and is designed to allow daylight to flow through into the classroom and lab areas.
A multipurpose room overlooks the active 3D printing facility and allows students and faculty to collaborate. Its flexible design enables the room to be used for classes, lectures, presentations, studying, and more.
Classroom space is designed to facilitate in-person and remote learning, enabling online students and students from other University of Maine Systems schools to learn and operate robots in real time alongside in-person students.