University of Rochester

Ronald Rettner Hall for Media Arts and Innovation

  • 02/01/14
University of Rochester 

PHOTOS © ADAM FENSTER / UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER

The University of Rochester in New York has built an 18,900-square-foot, three-story facility designed as a hub for the arts, sciences and engineering. Opened in the fall of 2013 on the institution’s River Campus, the building houses two of the university’s newest majors: digital media studies, and audio and music engineering.

Ronald Rettner Hall, built for $12.8 million, provides a place for students to gain both practical skills and theoretical understanding of digital technology. It features an engineering fabrication lab where students can build prototypes, a multipurpose learning studio, group study areas and an exhibit space for displaying projects. The facility contains sound and video recording studios, high-end computers and 3-D printers — the latest manufacturing technique to convert digital design into actual models.

Rettner Hall’s open design features space on each floor overlooking the level below, and its popular “Tree House” is a casual lounge where students can brainstorm, relax and recharge. With flexible spaces designed for interaction, it is open 24 hours a day.

“Our students’ capacity to think critically and flexibly is the key to their future success,” says Peter Lennie, Rochester’s provost. “Rettner Hall provides them with a place to harness their talents broadly and discover news ways to connect the creative arts to the sciences and engineering.”

“In this space, there are unlimited possibilities,” adds Rob Clark, senior vice president for research and dean of the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. “Now students from diverse backgrounds will have a place to use their talents broadly and discover new ways to connect the arts and humanities to sciences and engineering. The unique environment will foster learning, creativity and collaboration.”

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Designing Learning Spaces that Support Student Mental Health and Wellness

    In today’s education landscape, schools are more than just centers for learning; they are integral to the holistic development and well-being of students. The global pandemic underscored the importance of addressing mental health in schools, as productivity dropped, stress levels rose and students faced challenges managing emotions.

  • Extron, CENTEGIX Partner for Comprehensive School Security Solution

    Professional audiovisual solutions provider Extron recently announced a partnership with CENTEGIX, which provides rapid incident response technology, to integrate two of their top products in the name of school safety.

  • Pudu Robotics Launches AI-Powered, Large-Scale Floor Sweeper

    Pudu Robotics recently launched the newest member of its MT1 series of robotic floor sweepers, the PUDU MT1 Max, according to a news release. The AI-powered, 3D perception robotic sweeper was designed for use in large, complex cleaning environments both indoors and semi-outdoors, like parking garages and semi-open building atriums.

  • Delta State University Completes Renovations to School of Nursing Facilities

    Delta State University recently completed a major expansion and renovation project for the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing facilities on its campus in Cleveland, Miss., according to a news release. The project includes about 14,000 square feet of new construction and more than 21,000 square feet of renovation work to the existing space.

Digital Edition