Reinforced by its strategic location adjacent to the main campus entrance, library, and student center, the Applied Innovation Hub at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) in New Britain, CT puts engineering on display and creates a dynamic new academic facility for technology focused programs.
A transparent ground floor lobby and multi-purpose lounge area overlooking a hive of activity immediately outside its walls, in combination with open student spaces throughout, promote the significance of the 93,000-sf building as a place of innovation, interdisciplinary education, and university-wide gathering. 
Multi-Purpose Lounge
The facility serves as the primary new home for engineering department spaces in CCSU’s School of Engineering, Science and Technology, as well as computer and general-purpose classrooms available to the overall university. Lab, classroom, student project, and faculty spaces support both undergraduate and graduate programs in mechanical, electrical, computer, and civil engineering.
Robotics Lab
Featured elements in the Applied Innovation Hub include a robotics lab for CCSU’s robust robotics program and a 30’ high material testing structures lab. Multiple dedicated student project rooms and open collaborative areas are located on each level to promote project-based learning. A 180-seat lecture hall off the main entry lounge area provides space for scheduled classes and special programmed events. A student services advising and career space, also directly off the main entry, fosters ease of access to CCSU’s diverse student body. Corridor glazing creates transparency into lab spaces and highlights activity within.
Open Stair and History Mural
Designers were challenged to accommodate the functional program, harness the best value for the $44.8M construction budget, embrace flexibility with both technology infrastructure and space, and achieve energy performance and sustainability goals. The exterior design responds to CCSU campus standards based on the university’s original historic structures (ex. red brick, copper sloped roof, window opening systems) and overall architectural context. The highly glazed southwest corner of the building facing the center of the main campus makes a modern expression that highlights its function and boldly states it is a building that looks to the future.
Fluids Lab
The Applied Innovation Hub creates a dynamic new academic environment at CCSU, showcasing innovation in action and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Awards & Recognitions
Kelly Johnson Earns NCIDQ Certification
Amenta Emma congratulates Kelly Johnson on passing her exams and achieving NCIDQ certification! The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is globally recognized as the highest standard an Interior Designer can earn. Kelly plays an integral role in our design team, and we are so proud of this immense accomplishment.
Woburn Village Receives High Rating in MAPC Study
Redeveloping the most favorable 10 percent of suburban strip malls in the Boston region would meet a major portion of the area’s housing needs in the next decade, according to a study entitled “Rethinking the Strip”, by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. Woburn Village received a “Very Favorable” rating and was used as a case study, showing the potential for transforming outdated and vacant strip malls. Read more in the CNU article,
Debra Seay Presents at CACX'22
Join CEO of Indelible Impressions, Yvonne Alston and Amenta Emma Senior Associate, Debra Seay, AIA, WELL AP for their CACX'22 session on October 18, "Moving Beyond Function: Designing With Others In Mind".
Click here to register and learn more:
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News & Updates

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