Education

CTE design that sparks learning

ENMU Roswell Automotive and Welding Center

Eastern New Mexico University's (ENMU) Automotive and Welding Technology Center helps students develop career-critical skills in welding and automotive repair. This CTE design project doubled student work areas and provided necessary infrastructure for automotive and welding Career Technical Education (CTE).

The 30,000sf renovation of the 1972 building meets a key community goal: expanding student work areas for both automotive and welding CTE space within the existing building footprint. In addition to expanded workspaces, the renovation also includes a safe transition and prep space for students entering the building through classroom areas.

cte design new mexico automotive learning

To meet the needs of the school, our Education and Commercial studios collaborated on the design of a space which accommodates the heavy machinery needed to facilitate learning. The team worked closely with multiple user groups for the Automotive and Welding Education areas, along with consultants for Automotive Service Excellence and various applied welding certifications to ensure students would be equipped with space accurately mimicking the commercial automotive and welding environment.

A training space for career-ready students

The design included upgrading the existing building to meet the required infrastructure for the various new equipment to include pneumatic air, ventilation, electrical, and mechanical space.

LEARNING SPACES THAT MIMICK THE REAL WORLD

CTE student welding, sparks flying and design elements mimic sparks

New, purpose-built project areas give students plenty of space to learn technical automotive and welding skills, individually and as a team. The design includes specialized tool and storage areas: an engine assembly room, tire repair, balancing and alignment areas, and automotive four- and two-post lifts. In addition to these workspaces, the design includes a social space for students to gather, as well as a transition and prep space to ensure safe and clean entrance to the work area.

The project team partnered closely with ENMU Roswell, consultants, and user groups to create a place for real-world learning. The CTE design project contributes to the university's goal: fostering thriving, career-ready students.