University of Wisconsin-Madison

Jun and Sandy Lee Wisconsin Structures and Materials Testing Laboratory

An overall view of the materials and structures testing laboratory with engineering students.
Engineering students adjust testing equipment in the structures lab.
Overall exterior view of the high-bay materials lab and student moped parking area.
Exterior view of the lab entry and materials loading dock door.
A ceiling view of the yellow interior structures testing crane.

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Jun and Sandy Lee Wisconsin Structures and Materials Testing Laboratory

Madison, Wis.

A high-bay structure addition to the Engineering Hall at University of Wisconsin-Madison more than doubles the space for hands-on learning opportunities to meet the educational needs of undergraduate and graduate students in structural engineering.

The College of Engineering testing laboratory incorporates hands-on teaching lab sessions for design courses in concrete, steel, wood, and composite structures. The project creates a new Center of Excellence that builds on the University’s national leadership in structural engineering teaching and research.

The clean design adds another layer of dimension to the industrial space, using color and layout to organize and energize the student experience. With high-bay spaces that accommodate large materials samples, vehicles, and equipment, it provides the capability to conduct large-scale testing needed to develop more reliable and economical structures to meet growing societal demands.

Size: 2,700 sq. ft.

Components: High-bay lab addition for hands-on testing, teaching, and research; post-tensioned reaction wall; 20-ton overhead crane

Completion: 2019

Award: 2020 Commercial Design Awards, Most Innovative Feature, Greater Madison InBusiness Magazine