Integrated Design Lab Philosophy and History | NorthWest Arkansas Community College
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Workforce and Economic Development

IDL Philosophy and History

IDL Philosopy

The Evelyn E. Jorgenson Integrated Design Lab (IDL) is an educational philosophy, actualized through the Bauhaus philosophy, and a metacognitive teaching tool. The structure of the building is a work of art that simultaneously demonstrates, through intentional connection points between the labs, the existence for design-based problem solving to produce maximum impact and inspiration.

The Bauhaus educational philosophy is described as the following:

  •  The broad, democratic conception of what it means to be human.
  •  The belief in the educability of everyone.
  •  The cultivation of the individual who can work well with others.
  •  The emphasis on function and usefulness in their broadest sense.
  •  The integration of theory and practice rather than their separation.
  •  The nurturing of human creativity as it emerges from an informed and skilled starting point.
  •  The benefits of an interdisciplinary that is based on solid disciplinary foundations.

Learn more about Bauhaus philosophy.

 

More About the Concept of the IDL

The following video offers an insider perspective on the concept of the IDL and all that its makerspace has to offer NWACC students and the community.

 


IDL History

In spring of 2017, the final concept of the IDL was born in the office of the president when the deans of Workforce and Communications and Art presented the idea to NWACC President Dr. Jorgenson. The new IDL would house courses within fine arts, construction and computer-aided-design (CAD) and provide each with space and resources, while promoting design-thinking and innovation.

The IDL would solve a number of challenges:

  • Offer spacious art rooms with better ventilation and lighting for the broadest use of all media
  • A spacious construction lab for hands-on training with power tools
  • A large makerspace for using prototyping and digital systems and 3D printers
  • An all-purpose lab for various work tables, tools and metal working.
  • More room for art, construction and CAD equipment and tools
  • Display space for students’ work
  • Offer more classes during the day and evening
  • Offer community events and equipment for public use

NWACC selected Nabholz as the contractor and SCM Architects, PLLC as the architects. Civil, structural and mechanical engineering firms were added to the building team and construction was underway.

In fall of 2019, the IDL opened to students and plans to continue to expand its offerings to the community.

 

Historic Timeline and News

View the IDL construction timeline, as well as stories about its purpose and progress. 

Facts and timeline about the Integrated Design Lab: 

  • In February 2017, NWACC’s Board of Trustees approved an Integrated Design Lab building.

  • The Integrated Design Lab (IDL) user group, comprised of college administration and faculty, was an extremely collaborative and creative group that came up with a unique and innovative mission and design for this building.

  • Selection committees comprised of internal and external members made recommendations for an architect and construction manager.

  • The NWACC board approved selection of SCM Architects, PLLC, as the project architectural firm on May 8, 2017, and Nabholz Construction as the project general contractor for the building on November 6, 2017. These selections enabled us to use the Construction Management-at Risk method of construction, meaning that the architect and construction manager worked closely together with us for the duration of the project.

  • In August 2017, the IDL building project received method-of-finance approval by the state’s legislative review council.

  • On September 5, 2017, the user group began meeting with SCM regularly, developing plans based on experience, research and on-site visits.

  • After Nabholz was selected as the general contractor, their representatives began meeting with the group in December.

  • With Nabholz on board, a project schedule was developed.

  • The IDL houses workforce/ construction and visual arts classrooms, and is around 18,582 sq. ft. with an additional outdoor fabrication space of 3,500 sq.ft.

  • Space is available to showcase projects and allow their creators to offer them for sale.

  • The building incorporates NWACC brick, as well as glass, metal and stone. Attractive metal screening was added for the exterior fabrication space.

  • On August 26, 2019 the facility opened for classes in fall, 2019.

  • Estimated at a cost of $5.5 million, the facility houses construction technology and the visual arts, addressing core needs of adequate ventilation and much-needed space.

  • In the fall of 2019, NWACC held a grand opening event for the new IDL and invited college and community members to join in the memorable celebration. The event was filled with inspirational speeches as well as great conversation, food and drinks. Speakers included NWACC President Dr. Jorgenson, Board of Trustees member Joe Spivey, and an art and construction technology graduates. Attendees enjoyed taking self-tours, chatting with staff, faculty and students, and learning about this state-of-the-art facility.