Stevenson (MADE)

The Stevenson Center for Manufacturing, Automation and Design Engineering (MADE) is a new project-based learning community constructed within Adlai E. Stevenson High School for Utica Community Schools. It was designed to give students practical experience in three areas of local industry; Fabrication, Automation, and Design Engineering.

A primary goal for the new academy was to create its own identity within the existing high school, while creating a modern learning environment with spaces mimicking a professional working atmosphere.

This was achieved by renovating existing shop and classroom spaces to create a zone for each of the three academy pathways, providing a large multipurpose collaboration area connecting them, and creating a new exterior entry to provide after-hours access to local industry partners. These new spaces provide greater flexibility and promote collaboration, communication, and critical thinking with the use of flexible furniture, integrated technology, and a layout promoting movement between the three zones.