As a part of the winning design team, with BNIM and Ennead Architects, el dorado lent our expertise to the renovation and addition of a contemporary facility for Kansas State’s architecture college . We engaged the building committee in a dialogue about what makes a great space—whether it was the exterior courtyards, studios and classrooms, or (our primary focus) the fabrication labs. Acting as a hybrid between workshop and classroom, the labs transform a typically jarring experience to a nurturing environment to both learn and explore. Creating a hybrid between workshops and classrooms, the new space will offer 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC routing, as well as traditional metal, wood and finishing labs. Flexible spaces have been introduced to facilitate custom installations, showcase student work, and provide for quieter teaching areas within the Lab. Providing the students with a space that facilitates learning, cross-disciplinary interaction, and encourages innovation were our top priorities.