Transforming Crossland High School’s Media Center into a Universal Lab

Overview

Crossland High School, located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, set out to transform its traditional media center into an innovative Universal Lab. This new concept aimed to merge the functionalities of a conventional library with a cutting-edge makerspace, offering students a space for both learning and hands-on creation. However, the ambitious vision for the Universal Lab far exceeded the school’s initial budget. To ensure that the vision could be realized without compromise, we collaborated with Crossland High School to develop a phased, multiyear plan that aligned with their financial constraints while allowing for the gradual realization of the full vision.

Project Goals

The overarching goal of this project was to create a dynamic, multifunctional space that would serve as both a learning hub and a creative workshop. By integrating maker education technologies with traditional media resources, the Universal Lab would offer students a comprehensive educational experience, fostering both intellectual and practical skills.

Phase 1: Building the Makerspace (2022)

The first phase of the project focused on establishing the makerspace component within the media center. In 2022, we worked with Crossland High School to select and install a variety of maker education technologies that would allow students to explore design, fabrication, and virtual reality. Key components included:

• Roland BN-20 Desktop Printer-Cutter: Providing students with the tools to create custom prints and cut designs for various projects.
• MakerBot 3D Printers: Enabling students to design and print 3D objects, bringing their ideas to life through additive manufacturing.
• zSpace Virtual Reality (VR) Trainers: Offering immersive learning experiences that enhance understanding of complex concepts in a virtual environment.
• Furniture and Storage Solutions: Ensuring the makerspace was organized, functional, and conducive to creative exploration.

This initial phase laid the foundation for the Universal Lab, providing students with access to modern technologies that supported hands-on learning and innovation.

Phase 2: Circulation Desk and Modern Seating (2023)

In the second phase, we focused on enhancing the media center’s functionality and aesthetics by introducing a new circulation desk and modern seating. This phase involved:

• Customized Modular Circulation Desk: We collaborated closely with Crossland’s media specialist to design a circulation desk tailored to the specific needs and layout of the space. Manufactured by Media Technologies, the desk provided a central hub for media center operations.
• Modern Soft Seating: To create a comfortable and inviting environment, we selected soft seating from Wisconsin Bench Manufacturing and OM Seating. These pieces were strategically placed to encourage collaboration and relaxation.
• Computer Lab Modernization: The adjacent computer lab was also updated, featuring new seating from Wisconsin Bench and OM Seating, which gave the space a contemporary look and feel.

The result of this phase was a visually appealing, functional space that inspired both students and staff, while also accommodating the media center’s operational needs.

Phase 3: Additional Seating, Furniture, and Bookshelves (2024)

The final phase of the project involved completing the transformation of the Universal Lab by adding more furniture and replacing the outdated bookshelves. This phase included:

• Additional Soft Seating and Furniture: Further enhancing the comfort and functionality of the space, more seating and furniture were added to accommodate a growing number of students.
• Replacement of Bookshelves: Nearly 100 old bookshelves were replaced with new ones, ensuring that the media center’s library resources were easily accessible and aesthetically integrated into the overall design. The installation process was comprehensive, including:
  • Inside Delivery and Installation: Our team handled the complete installation, from delivering the new bookshelves to setting them up in the space.
  • Book Relocation and Shelf Disposal: Books were carefully removed from the old shelves, which were then disposed of, and re-shelved on the new units in an organized manner.

This turnkey installation was completed in just a few days, minimizing disruption to the school’s operations and quickly transforming the media center into a fully functional Universal Lab.

Challenges & Solutions

The primary challenge of this project was aligning the school’s ambitious vision with its annual budget constraints. To address this, we developed a phased approach that allowed Crossland High School to achieve its long-term goals over several years without sacrificing quality or scope. Close collaboration with school stakeholders, including the media specialist, was essential in customizing solutions that fit both the space and budget.

Outcome

The transformation of Crossland High School’s media center into a Universal Lab has had a profound impact on the school community. Students now have access to a versatile space that supports both academic learning and creative exploration. The modern, aesthetically pleasing environment has become a central hub of activity, encouraging collaboration, innovation, and a love of learning. The phased approach ensured that the school could realize its vision over time, resulting in a space that exceeded expectations without exceeding the budget.

Conclusion

Our partnership with Crossland High School in reimagining and transforming their media center into a Universal Lab exemplifies the power of strategic planning and phased execution. By working together to align the school’s vision with its budgetary realities, we were able to deliver a state-of-the-art educational space that will serve students for years to come. This case study highlights the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence in achieving ambitious educational goals.