Milan Center for Innovative Studies Booklet

MILAN CENTER FOR INNOVATIVE STUDIES Milan, Michigan

It's not every day that you learn how to build a solar-powered boat. But for students at the new Milan Center for Innovative Studies (MCIS), this is just one in a series of unique learning opportunities meant to prepare them for the job market or higher education. MCIS is home to Milan Area Schools' new project-based learning program, which is designed specifically to help high school seniors take the next step in their journey toward life-long learning.

Project Details Client: Milan Area Schools Cost: $5,500,000 Area: 23,000 Completed: 8/28/2012

The Innovation Zone Unlike a traditional school where students move from room to room on a set schedule, MCIS students use whatever room they need to complete their projects that day. The heart of the building is the Innovation Zone, an open space meant to inspire collaboration.

While teams were working on their solar-powered boats, many students met in the Innovation Zone to discuss ideas and review their concepts.

"The learning environment is fluid. You can see it as the students move through the space— this is natural to them."

Kevin Upton, MCIS Director

Grand Stairs

The Grand Stairs serves as an amphitheater and meeting place.

At the conclusion of the solar-powered boat project, MCIS students gathered to watch each team's "design concept" video on the large projection screen.

First-Floor Learning Environments COLLABORATORIES: Based on the Steelcase LearnLab® model, these rooms support omnidirectional learning.

EXPLORATION LAB: A science lab on steroids, this space is equipped to support Chemistry, Biology, Physics, etc.

DESIGN LAB: The Design Lab features modern workstations, a plotter, and high-powered Apple computers for video production and design.

PRODUCTION LAB: In the production lab, students do everything from put together booklets to constructing prototypes.

SENIOR TRANSITIONS LAB: Moveable furniture gives this lab total flexibility. A built-in conference room with glass walls has quickly become a student favorite.

Exploration Lab

As students work on their solar-powered boat projects, an instructor illustrates concepts from the Exploration Lab's demonstration space. Cameras allow students to view the demonstration on multiple display monitors located throughout the room.

The Loft Located on a second-floor mezzanine, The Loft is a place where students can gather to study or to eat food purchased from the school store. Instructor offices are also located on the second floor, as is a shared conference room. The office area features floor-to-ceiling glass walls which provide visual control of the area.

"MCIS is different. It's fun. It's high-tech and comfy."

Morgan Griffis, MCIS student

Pod Bays

The second-floor Pods Bays have quickly become a student favorite.

Large video monitors allow presentations to be displayed from a laptop or tablet.

MCIS is exploring partnerships with organizations such as Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit focused on economic and workforce development.

After its first few months of operation, the building has drawn high praise from students and instructors. MCIS Director Kevin Upton is especially pleased with the way students are using the learning environment.

"I get goosebumps watching the students dissolve into the space each morning," he says. "Being here every day, watching the magic happen...this is Disneyland for me."

Floor Plans

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