Engineering Innovation Hub Revitalizes Historic Notre Dame Lab

University of Notre Dame Engineering Innovation Hub: A Next-Gen Facility for Applied Learning and Advanced Manufacturing

In support of the University of Notre Dame’s commitment to innovation in engineering education and applied manufacturing, the Engineering Innovation Hub (EIH) transforms a formerly underutilized lab and library space in Cushing Fitzpatrick Hall—originally built nearly a century ago—into a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary learning environment.

Designed by BSA, known for our expertise in higher education interior design, the 10,000-square-foot Innovation Hub integrates heavy manufacturing capabilities, flexible lab interiors, and collaborative classroom environments all under one roof. The result is a future-ready space that blends hands-on experimentation with academic instruction. As a result, the facility enables a seamless transition from concept to creation.

A Flexible, Visible Space that Powers Innovation

The EIH is designed to empower Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering students to move quickly from ideation to fabrication. Whether they are scribbling on a whiteboard or running complex prototypes on industrial machinery, ideas can quickly come to life. Open sightlines and glass walls put the innovation on display, allowing passersby to view in-progress projects. This also adds transparency to the creative process. The visibility helps Notre Dame attract top-tier students, faculty, sponsors, and donors by showcasing the University’s leadership in engineering innovation and lab design.

One Destination for the Full Production Process

Where traditional workflows required students to move between scattered buildings—classrooms, studios, and fabrication shops—the EIH consolidates all steps into one centralized facility. This innovative layout enables more meaningful participation across all stages of the design-to-build cycle. Notably, this layout reinforces the university’s emphasis on real-world, interdisciplinary learning. Now, students do not have to miss participating in meaningful key stages of each process.

BSA designed the Engineering Innovation Hub as a compact and efficient space that puts the concept-to-realization process in 10,000 SF. From traditional classrooms to heavy manufacturing spaces, students and faculty connect engineering knowledge with hands-on experiences. With quick access to the technology, people, and tools needed to drive innovation, exploration, and product commercialization, students and faculty members will not merely explore product development but participate in it.

Engineering Systems Designed for Efficiency and Longevity

As the design of the engineering system for the Engineering Innovation Hub progressed, BSA found itself with both advantages and challenges. Having worked in Cushing Fitzpatrick Engineering Hall in the last decade, BSA was familiar with the building’s utility infrastructure. We knew the building’s operations needed to meet a higher standard. One way BSA made these improvements without exceeding the budget was to design a “new” HVAC system that incorporated parts of its previous system, including ductwork BSA designed a few years ago. The electrical infrastructure embraces an industrial design aesthetic, while also being forward-looking enough to accommodate emerging technologies and production tools not yet on the market. The space incorporates exposed, industrial-style infrastructure to increase ease of use and flexibility while minimizing visual distractions hanging from the ceiling. The result is a space that functions well today and is prepared to be efficient well into the future.

View other Learning projects.

Project Contact