“It is intended to provide something we don’t currently have much of on campus -- unclaimed space full of technology, whiteboards and other elements that creates a fluid, productive work area for anyone who needs it.”
A version of this story appears in the Spring 2015 issue of Kettering Magazine
Kettering University will soon have a second d.space in the Academic Building, thanks to a donation from Autoliv ASP Inc. Autoliv has committed $75,000 to the project.
Earlier this year, d.space1 opened in the AB, giving students, faculty and staff access to technology-enabled space with two very simple rules – it is open to anyone at any time and it can’t be reserved.
“The key to this space is that nobody owns it,” said Kettering University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “It is available for ad-hoc meetings for student groups, faculty or staff, but you can’t reserve it. It’s always open for anyone who needs the space to use it.”
The first d.space is located in an area that was formerly a small lounge near the library and the new Applied Biology labs. The d.space concept is intended to infuse open, collaborative and technology-enabled spaces throughout campus as a way to build an environment supportive of rampant creativity, innovation, teamwork and project work.
The first d.space includes a wall painted with dry erase paint, whiteboards, moveable furniture, a large screen and technology features that allow those using the space to connect devices and share information and ideas with collaborators. The second space, which will be located in or near the library, will have similar features.
“This is intended to solely be open collaboration space to foster creativity,” McMahan said. “It is intended to provide something we don’t currently have much of on campus -- unclaimed space full of technology, whiteboards and other elements that creates a fluid, productive work area for anyone who needs it. Collaborative spaces like this are a component of the new Campus Master Plan as well.”
For more than 60 years, Autoliv has focused on life-saving technologies. The company was the first to introduce the two- and three-point seat belt system and airbags for front and side impacts and the first to launch pyrotechnic belt pretensioners and pedestrian protection systems. The company, one of Kettering’s more than 550 industry partners, manufactures a range of products and systems and is a leader in automotive safety. They also hosted an admissions event for Kettering at their Auburn Hills Technical Center in December.