Elevating Education: the Marian University E. S. Witchger School of Engineering

By Luke Carothers

The new E. S. Witchger School of Engineering at Marian University is remarkable not only for its state-of-the-art design, but also for its purpose in addressing the ongoing challenges of recruiting talented students to the fields of engineering and advanced manufacturing.  Located in Indianapolis, Ind., Marian University is ranked as a top 30 university in the Midwest, and the addition of the E. S. Witchger School of Engineering will provide engineering students with the ability to work and learn in cutting-edge labs, high-tech classrooms, and collaborative learning spaces. The task of creating such rich learning environments fell on the Engineer-of-Record Schmidt Associates. The result was an innovative structure that was able to provide these rich and comfortable learning environments in a manner that is highly energy-efficient.  According to Eric Broemel, principal-in-charge of Engineering at Schmidt Associates, they got involved early in the project to handle mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design, working with Design Architect Perkins & Will who were tasked with creating the overall vision for the building. 

As part of the building’s unique design and function, Broemel points out its dual purpose as having both office and lab spaces. The E. S. Witchger School of Engineering is equipped with laboratory-grade air handling systems that feature hydronic energy recovery loops–an innovative technology that efficiently recovers heating and cooling. In turn, this contributes to reduced energy consumption and leads to an eco-friendlier environment.  Within the office portions of the structure, there is a low-temperature air distribution system that conserves energy and enhances thermal comfort for their occupants.   

From an HVAC design perspective, having both spaces function within the same building, while being highly energy-efficient, represents a unique deployment of structural design and budgeting. Broemel states that the building was designed during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, at which time, the price of steel was “exponentially expensive.”  As a response, structural engineers from CE Solutions and Architect-of Record Browning Day proposed using a post-tension concrete structural system for the building. This decision alleviated budgeting concerns for the project and created the need for higher coordination and communication between the project teams.  For example, the parts of the building that house lab spaces require additional support systems such as higher-end plumbing.  

Kyle Vice, who was responsible for the plumbing design and coordination, says designing a high-end plumbing system for a post-tension concrete structure begins with taking every piece of the system into account–conduits, pipes, supply lines, return lines, etc.  Additionally, most of the lab spaces are outfitted with island fixtures, which forced them to construct the system from below with the control system on the floor above. Vice says that designing such a system in a post-tensioned structure requires more detail and design as opposed to a steel building.”  The result of this detailed design and collaborative communication is a structure that features specialized plumbing systems outfitted with vacuum, natural gas, and compressed central air systems tailored to its cutting-edge laboratories’ specific needs.

The newly constructed E. S. Witchger School of Engineering will have a significant positive impact on engineering education at the school–both providing an exceptional learning environment and setting a new standard for sustainable building practices. Broemel says that, in addition to being an aesthetically pleasing space, students will be able to interact with and learn from systems located in the building that are easily accessible, physically, including the main boiler room and rooftop equipment area.  This allows students to gain hands-on experience learning about energy efficiency, digital control systems, and sustainable HVAC practices. Broemel believes that projects like this are important for the AEC industry moving forward by providing examples and spaces for engineering students to learn in and from, more will be inspired to start their careers in the mechanical and structural engineering fields.

The E. S. Witchger School of Engineering places the concept of experiential learning at its core, which is evident through things like innovative lab design. The facility gives students the opportunity to engage in real-world simulations by utilizing the latest equipment including wind tunnels, diesel engines, and material testing labs among others. This immersive education experience allows students to foster a deeper understanding of their field of study, and their exposure to the latest practices empowers them to become problem-solvers. This project serves to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and the community–providing an example of how engineering education can be changed and elevated.