Kirksey Architecture was tasked with designing the Fabrication Center at Prairie View A&M University located in Prairie View, Texas.

Located on the southeast side of campus, the Prairie View A&M University Fabrication Center is an extension of the existing School of Architecture. This innovative maker space houses a variety of equipment to allow students to build, develop, and test new ideas. The building was originally a graduate student’s project that was developed and turned into a grant. This student vision, with the support of the School of Architecture, became a reality, enhancing the education of future students.

The building program is composed of several different types of maker spaces that, instead of being individual spaces, have a communal assembly area where students can use a variety of equipment on one project. The intent is for the process of construction to be done in one location offering opportunities of peer-to-peer learning, collaboration, and cross-disciplinary interaction.

The Assembly area represents a gathering space where students can make, experiment, and learn from each other throughout the process. This space was developed as an inverted porch and has “V” columns that march along the entirety of the space, resembling the existing School of Architecture’s porch.

Architect: Kirksey Architecture Photography: Joe Aker

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