John Mitchell Center

Overall Building Description

The John Mitchell Center, located on the Gorham campus, is the home of the engineering and technology departments at the University of Southern Maine. The facility is comprised of department offices, common student space, classrooms, laboratories, and faculty offices.

The facility was originally constructed in 1964 to house the offices and laboratories of the industrial arts teacher education program, what was then Gorham State Teachers College. Totaling 36,000 square feet, the original building housed both industrial arts and vocational education programs that prepared technical teachers for the state of Maine and the region. Since that time, programs in the technology management and electrical and mechanical engineering were developed, adding approximately 200 new students majoring in these programs and additional faculty members working in the building.

In 2001, a decision was made to expand the facility by adding a 24,500 square foot advanced technology wing and refurbishing the existing building in order to bring it up to current ADA and building codes. It was also decided to create a university building that would be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. The LEED designation was an important design factor because future technologists and engineers are prepared in the facility, and they should fully understand the importance of energy efficient designs that are environmentally responsible.

Environmental Sustainability

Environmentally sound practices were considered for location of this building and the development of the site, all of which contributed to the LEED certification. The previous existing 40-year old building was preserved, rather than being demolished. This was coupled with an aggressive construction material recycling effort that kept 97 % of waste from being placed in local landfills. The building addition was placed on an existing paved parking lot to avoid increased storm water impact to a local stream.

Throughout the laboratories and support spaces, low-flow water saving fixtures such as lab sinks, lavatories, and toilets are used to save potable water on a daily basis. The HVAC system uses no ozone-depleting substances such as CFC's, HCFC's, or Halons. To reduce energy consumption and save operating costs, the HVAC system and electrical system have been engineered for a 37% saving compared to a standard system, using features such as motion-sensor lighting control and CO2 air quality monitoring/control. Daily recycling of paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and glass is encouraged by the prolific use of recycling containers throughout the building, and the two easily accessible storage areas on the first floor.

To encourage the use of alternative transportation by the staff, the existing parking lot that the building displaced was not replaced, and two of the closest remaining parking spaces are identified as carpool parking only.

Room Descriptions

Automation Lab

This laboratory supports technology and engineering through the study of fluid and mechanical power systems. Automation devices are designed and built using programmable logic controllers (PLC's) to manage and control automation cells. Team work and technical problem solving techniques are supported by data collection and analytical methods for systems optimization.

CAD Lab

The capabilities of this laboratory range from allowing students to work on sketches to fully developing a design using solid modeling computer-aided design software and hardware. Objects created on the CAD system can quickly be converted to real objects using the rapid prototyping system located in the Learning Factory on the first floor. In addition to CAD, this lab is also used to teach web development courses where students learn the fundamentals of xhtml, css, php, and MySQL.

CIM Lab

This laboratory is made up of three manufacturing cells: one non-automated, one semi-automated, and one fully automated. Students have the opportunity to produce products using cutting edge manufacturing technologies that are comprised of machine tools, robots, conveyer systems, vision systems, and assembly systems controlled by several software packages. SMART (strategic manufacturing for robust technologies) is a USM copyrighted approach to manufacturing control technologies.

Computer Networking Lab

This laboratory houses the computer networking hardware to help technology majors develop an understanding of computer networks and provide the necessary background for their construction and maintenance. It allows hands-on activities to better understand the structure, hardware software, and protocols that make up computer networks.

Digital Arts and Technology Lab

This laboratory focuses on multimedia and is divided into three areas: one for the design of graphics, one for the production of graphics, and one for the electronic production of audio and video CD's and DVD's. It also contains a digital video studio and video editing rooms. Majors in art and media studies use this laboratory along with students in the Information and Communications Technology program.

Mechanical Engineering Lab

This laboratory supports the mechanical engineering degree and is made up of a robotics control cell, materials analysis/characterization cell, thermodynamics/static's cell, and an open research area to conduct experiments.

Skunk Works

This is a student-centered prototyping laboratory that is designed for working with multiple materials and tools that support student innovations and inventions. It is configured to be very flexible so things that need to be "built" can be made using professional-grade technologies and materials. It is staffed by a technician who supports the facility and faculty and is available for student projects.