Focus on: The "Nooks" Project

The “Nooks” Project is an effort to rethink and renovate shared, small, public spaces and learning environments. Conceived by the Campus Infrastructure working group of the Task Force on the CMU Experience, this initiative aims to create more spaces for students to gather and collaborate: to learn, to have fun and to enjoy the exchange of ideas. 

To date, the Task Force has identified several high-traffic spaces that could benefit from sustainable upgrades, redesign efforts and bite-sized improvements for major impact. If you think that power outlets, ergonomic seating, better lighting and a fresh coat of paint are merely cosmetic, think again. These enhancements keep the community connected and engaged and help to promote a sense of community while we learn, grow, discover and play together.   

The Task Force will launched this project by renovating two spaces during the summer of 2017. The first two "nooks" to get a face-lift were on the 5th floor of Wean Hall and in the College of Fine Arts basement. 

CMU also undertook a fundraising initiative to support the additional “nooks" in order to name and fund renovation of these spaces. The effort will be led by University Advancement, and will be executed in partnership with the Andrew Carnegie Society, to promote the initiative to members of the university community who may be interested in supporting these spaces for students. Recognition plaques will be installed to acknowledge donors who fund a full space.

Of course, small-scale placemaking is just one small part of the strategic and sustained effort to enhance the CMU Experience. Even as we work on these projects, the university continues to push forward on historic infrastructure projects such as the Tepper Quadrangle and a new health and wellness center.