The Design Innovation Initiative at Kent State was created to encourage students, faculty, and experts from diverse disciplines to become intersectional problem-solvers and fearless collaborators. As the central resource in a network of DI “nodes” at the university, the Design Innovation Hub (DI Hub) gathers dedicated spaces, tools, and technologies under one roof to evolve cultural collaboration and collective making. Through the creative re-envisioning of the original School of Art Building at the center of campus, the university was able to realize a highly visible maker environment that supports the “owned by all, shared by all” ethos of the Design Innovation Initiative.

When Kent State’s School of Art relocated to a new facility in 2016, the future of its former home was in doubt because of the extensive physical upgrades needed. The original building was an ambitious design with strong cellular geometry and an expressive design logic. It had a number of inspiring features, including its expressive structure and character
of interconnectedness between studio environments. This sensitive adaptive reuse process breathes new life into the structure and reconnects campus paths. Embracing the bones, character, and interconnectedness of the original design, the redesign brought daylight and views into the interiors to create welcoming, creative spaces and clear connections. The design and decision to undertake an extensive adaptive reuse process rather than demolish the building create a successful balance of a modern maker hub that also celebrates campus heritage and context.