Project Design Studio
The Project Design Studio (previously called Fusion Studio) was envisioned as a space to support student teams engaging in collaborative projects. Universities are increasingly asking their students to engage in project-based learning, develop new technologies, and become entrepreneurs. As we looked around our campus, we found that students often had a difficult time finding consistent space to engage in such endeavors. With that in mind, the University Libraries opened Project Design Studio with the following goals:
-Provide a consistent workspace for students engaging in collaborative work.
-Offer the material, monetary, and human support those students need to succeed.
-Help students develop the skills and mindsets necessary for successful collaboration.
-Build a community that supports students as they engage in the high-risk, high-reward work of creativity.
-Create a safe environment to engage in creative risk taking and serious play.
Benefits of Membership
As a member of the Project Design Studio, you can expect the following benefits:
- Membership in a community of other students engaging in collaborative, creative work.
- Swipe access to the Project Design Studio whenever the library is open.
- Open access to the materials and technology in the space.
- Advising and support from the studio manager on topics including but not limited to: collaboration skills, project management, conflict mediation, finding resources (e.g. connecting with experts, pursuing grants and awards, or procuring supplies), process documentation, professional communication and presentations
- Increased access to other resources offered by the Studios Network
Membership Pathways
Trial Membership
You qualify if…
You aren’t sure if the Project Design Studio is for you and would like to try it out.
OR
You have an idea for a project but are uncertain how or whether to follow through.
To join as a trial member, you will simply email or talk to the studio manager, who will schedule a time to meet with you and the PDS student liaison. During this meeting, you will talk about why you are interested in joining and what kind of support you need and provide us with the information we need to set you up as a studio member.
Team Membership
You qualify if…
You have a project you would like to work on–regardless of what stage of that project you are in or if you have even started.
AND
You either have a team already or plan to recruit a team.
To apply for team membership, fill out the Project Design studio project proposal form. The studio manager will invite you to meet with them and the student liaison to learn more about your project, tour the space, and review the benefits and expectations of studio membership.
The application for the 2023-24 Keesee Sustainability Grant is now open. Apply here!
The University Libraries at Virginia Tech is pleased to invite undergraduate students in all disciplines and academic programs to apply through a competitive process to receive funding for sustainability research and projects.
Potential topics include (but are not limited to): ecological sustainability, environmental sustainability, environmental conservation, policy and sustainability.
Interdisciplinary projects are welcome.
Applicants may request up to $2000. Funding may cover project expenses such as supplies and travel costs. Recipients will also become members of the Newman Library Project Design Studio.
Timeline:
- June 21st, 2023 application closes
- June 28th, 2023 grant recipients notified
- Summer or Fall, 2023 funded projects begin
Applicants will be asked to supply the following information in their application:
- Name, year, & major for each member of applicant team
- Primary contact email address
- Project title
- Project description (250 words or fewer)
- Resource needs (including estimated costs)
- A description of how the library can support your project
Apply as a team if you have a project in mind and either have a team or are planning to recruit a team.
To join the studio on a trial basis, email Sara Bear at sweensk@vt.edu.
For more information about the membership pathways, see the "Join the Studio" tab to the left.
Hours
The Project Design Studio is open to members any time the library is open. If you are interested in joining the studio, please read about our membership pathways under the "Join the Studio" tab then apply via the appropriate link above. Please contact Sara Bear at sweensk@vt.edu if you have any questions.
Workshops
The Studios Network offers many free workshops on various technologies and skills. See our list of upcoming workshops for information on how to register.
Contact
Email sweensk@vt.edu or stop by Newman Library, Room 2038.
*COMING SOON: The Project Design Studio will soon be moving to Newman 419. Stay tuned!
Need Help?
We offer consultations on topics like collaboration skills, project management, and more. Visit our consultations page to see what topics we cover and request a time to speak with someone.