About the Information Sciences and Technology Building
Formally opened in 2004, the Information Sciences and Technology (IST) Building at Penn State University Park is a striking 199,000 square-foot structure whose sweeping lines stir the imagination of passersby. Its creators–Rafael Vinoly Architects, New York, and Perfido Weiskopf Architects, Pittsburgh—were inspired by the Ponte Vecchio in Florence.
In addition to being visually compelling, the building impressively spans a major Pennsylvania highway. The most remarkable aspect of the building’s design, however, may be the philosophy at its core. In the words of former IST Dean James B. Thomas, “it represents an intellectual bridge linking education and research to the new needs of society.”
To accomplish this objective, our building was designed with careful consideration for how gathering spaces would be used and what technology would be needed to support our teaching and research missions.
Our classroom spaces utilize a state-of-the-art telecommunications and multimedia infrastructure to meet the unique needs of today’s digital students. Each of our eight classrooms has been individually configured to impact different types of learning experiences. In our Apple studio, we use computers designed for the task of tackling complex media creation challenges. Another classroom holds server racks, systems, and networking equipment so students can see first-hand how they function. Still other rooms have nearly invisible technology, allowing the focus to be on learning concepts instead of hardware.
Among our classroom spaces, the principal location is the Cybertorium, which has hosted top executives in information technology, including Michael Dell of Dell Computer and Bruce Claflin of 3COM. Able to seat 150 people, the Cybertorium employs the latest technology to facilitate group learning and discussion. Its lectern supports multiple computer platforms and allows instructors to punctuate classes with examples as fresh as breaking news or live content from the Internet, shared through a large rear-projection screen and sound system. Audience members can follow along on flat panel computers that rise out of custom desks.
Innovative technology also is instrumental in our research facilities, such as in our new three-dimensional, full-immersion, visualization laboratory, where researchers are studying new ways to view and conceptualize data and information.
To encourage collaboration, there are a number of open gathering spaces designed for faculty, staff, and students to meet informally. Collaborative rooms allow faculty and students to meet in a private space complete with whiteboards and computers. The entire building features wireless capabilities that encourage groups to move freely within the space while being connected to the Internet and other Web-based services.
In addition to being visually compelling, the building impressively spans a major Pennsylvania highway. The most remarkable aspect of the building’s design, however, may be the philosophy at its core. In the words of former IST Dean James B. Thomas, “it represents an intellectual bridge linking education and research to the new needs of society.”
To accomplish this objective, our building was designed with careful consideration for how gathering spaces would be used and what technology would be needed to support our teaching and research missions.
Our classroom spaces utilize a state-of-the-art telecommunications and multimedia infrastructure to meet the unique needs of today’s digital students. Each of our eight classrooms has been individually configured to impact different types of learning experiences. In our Apple studio, we use computers designed for the task of tackling complex media creation challenges. Another classroom holds server racks, systems, and networking equipment so students can see first-hand how they function. Still other rooms have nearly invisible technology, allowing the focus to be on learning concepts instead of hardware.
Among our classroom spaces, the principal location is the Cybertorium, which has hosted top executives in information technology, including Michael Dell of Dell Computer and Bruce Claflin of 3COM. Able to seat 150 people, the Cybertorium employs the latest technology to facilitate group learning and discussion. Its lectern supports multiple computer platforms and allows instructors to punctuate classes with examples as fresh as breaking news or live content from the Internet, shared through a large rear-projection screen and sound system. Audience members can follow along on flat panel computers that rise out of custom desks.
Innovative technology also is instrumental in our research facilities, such as in our new three-dimensional, full-immersion, visualization laboratory, where researchers are studying new ways to view and conceptualize data and information.
To encourage collaboration, there are a number of open gathering spaces designed for faculty, staff, and students to meet informally. Collaborative rooms allow faculty and students to meet in a private space complete with whiteboards and computers. The entire building features wireless capabilities that encourage groups to move freely within the space while being connected to the Internet and other Web-based services.
