Think[box]
THINK[BOX]
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Completion Date: 2013-2025
Project Size:
Case Western Reserve University | Higher Education Innovation
Think[box] represents a shift in how engineering education can feel and function.
At Case Western Reserve University, the goal was not simply to expand lab space — it was to build a culture of collaboration. The university envisioned a highly visible, interdisciplinary environment where students could move seamlessly from lecture to making, from concept to prototype, and from idea to impact. MKC helped translate that vision into a flexible, innovative-driven facility designed to serve the full engineering community.
A Community of Disciplines
think[box] supports:
+ Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
+ Public use of space
+ Cleveland Art Institute
+ Cleveland Institute of Music
+ Public Art Gallery
+ Incubator for Economic Development
+ Biomedical Engineering
+ Chemical Engineering
+ Civil Engineering
+ Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
+ Macromolecular Science and Engineering
+ Materials Science and Engineering
The design balance’s strong disciplinary identity with intentional intersection. Departments remain distinct, while shared environments encourage collaboration when projects demand multiple perspectives.
Supporting Modern Curriculum
Engineering education today requires cross-disciplinary thinking. Flexible lecture spaces, shared meeting rooms, and coordinated storage solutions allow faculty to co-teach and departments to align curriculum goals. The facility anticipates growth — not only in pedagogy but also in research complexity and industry partnerships. Collaboration is not an exception; it is embedded in the daily rhythm of academic life.
On the seventh floor, that academic momentum extends into incubation and economic development. Dedicated space supports research and development spin-offs led by graduate students and faculty, providing an environment where emerging ideas can be refined, mentored, and positioned for real-world launch. By integrating academic collaboration with entrepreneurial incubation, Think[box] creates a continuum — from classroom learning to research innovation to market impact.
The heart of THINK[BOX]
At the heart of the facility is the digital fabrication center — a multidisciplinary hub providing access to:
+ Fabrication tools
+ Rapid prototyping technologies
+ CAD/CAM environments
+ Shared production areas
+ Open project workspaces
Ideas move quickly from whiteboard to physical prototype. Overlapping production zones foster cross-departmental collaboration, reinforcing a culture of shared innovation. Transparency throughout the building makes innovation visible — strengthening engagement among students, faculty, and industry partners.
FLOOR PLANS
Design for Impact
Think[box] serves as a highly identifiable headquarters for innovation on campus. The facility communicates the university’s strategic commitment to forward-thinking engineering education while creating a welcoming, active environment for students and collaborators alike. At MKC, we believe educational environments should do more than house programs — they should advance them. Think[box] stands as a platform for making, mentoring, and multidisciplinary problem-solving — preparing students not just for careers, but for leadership in addressing complex global challenges.