C.W. Driver Companies is leading construction of the听骋别苍蝉濒别谤-诲别蝉颈驳苍别诲听Innovation Hub,听a 45,000-square-foot facility designed to support the next generation of engineers, computer听scientists and technology leaders. | Photo Credit (all): Gensler
By Lindsey Coulter听
FULLERTON, Calif. 鈥� California State University Fullerton has reached a major construction milestone on its Engineering and Computer Science Innovation Hub, marking the topping out of structural steel work on听the $54 million project. The building is being constructed next to the college鈥檚 existing Engineering Building and is expected to open by fall 2027.听
C.W. Driver Companies is leading construction of the听骋别苍蝉濒别谤-诲别蝉颈驳苍别诲听Innovation Hub,听a 45,000-square-foot facility designed to support the next generation of engineers, computer听scientists听and technology leaders. University leaders and project team members broke ground on the project in June.听
The Innovation Hub is intended to serve as a collaborative, hands-on learning environment and a catalyst for discovery and industry innovation in Southern California. Planned features include dry labs supporting disciplines such as computing, robotics, materials testing and cybersecurity; makerspaces and equipment rooms to promote collaboration and efficiency; and student lounges and a wellness area designed to support student well-being.听
Cal State Fullerton leaders said the project is aimed at shaping the future of engineering and computer science education while strengthening ties between the university and regional industries.听
鈥淭he ECS Innovation Hub听represents听more than concrete and beams. It is a bold promise to our entire university and across all majors,鈥� CSUF President Ronald Rochon said听in a statement. 鈥淚t is a promise that we will equip our students with not only the technical skills, but also the collaborative spaces, real-world experiences and the mentorship needed to thrive in today鈥檚 world and lead in tomorrow鈥檚 world.鈥�听
Susan Barua, former dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, said the project reflects a broader vision for education and innovation. Barua, who retired earlier this year after a 37-year career at the university, now serves as strategic adviser for the $85 million project supported by state,听campus听and philanthropic funding.听
鈥淲e break ground not just on a building, but on a vision for what education, innovation and collaboration can achieve,鈥� Barua said. 鈥淭his hub will prepare our students not just to participate in the workforce, but to shape it.鈥澨�听
The university received a $67.5 million investment from the state for the project鈥檚 first phase, with听additional听philanthropic efforts underway to expand and enhance programming.听A 2018 university-commissioned space feasibility study found the college needed听additional听instructional space due to enrollment growth. Since then, enrollment has increased by 30%, and the number of degrees conferred has risen听nearly 250%听over the past decade, Barua听added.听