California District Opens New Robotics Center
The Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) in Cupertino, Calif., recently held a Grand Opening ceremony for a new, district-wide Robotics Center, according to a news release. The 14,500-square-foot facility was designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA); Landmark Constructors served as the builder and Blach Construction as general construction manager. The space will be used by students from all five of the district’s high schools.
The building is located at Cupertino High School, and amenities include a dedicated robotics field space with audience seating, academic classrooms, team collaboration areas, and a workshop. The facility has the capacity for about 900 students and was funded through Measure G bond funds, the news release reports.
“Seeing our students get to step into this facility is an incredibly proud moment for our entire district,” said District Superintendent Graham Clark. “For years, our talented students worked wonders in makeshift, portable spaces. Thanks to the support of our local community and project team, we now have an environment where our award-winning robotics teams can take their work even further.”
The building incorporates design elements necessary for robotics design and testing, including high ceilings for testing aerial drones, Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) flooring to protect components and equipment, and Wi-Fi systems that won’t disrupt the signals involved with operating robots. It also features acoustic wall paneling and roof decking, integrated daylighting controls, and advanced security, according to the news release.
“Designing a facility this specialized required close collaboration with the educators, mentors, and students at the heart of the program,” said Nick Stephenson, QKA Principal. “The result is a purpose-built environment that provides the technical capabilities the program demands while creating an inspiring space where students can experiment, collaborate, and bring their ideas to life.”
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Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].