While initial requirements for research space will be modest, with much of the research activity taking place in laboratories and using equipment with dual use capabilities for both teaching and research, it can be expected that space requirements in terms of laboratories, offices, and general work space will expand with the growth of the research and technology services offerings of the university.
It is therefore important to identify and set aside in the short term adequate space for the General Research Center. Because they also exist to serve the internship and practical experience needs of students, the Community Design Resource Center and the Information Technology Resource Center will be housed in their respective academic buildings. Because it will involve both male and female students, the IT center will be housed on both the male and female sections of the PMU campus. The design center, which will involve only female students, will be housed on the female section of the campus.
Space designated for the General Research Center initially will remain flexible and expandable to meet the needs of this growing enterprise. The space must be outfitted with appropriate infrastructure support, including research ventilation hoods, liquid nitrogen, various research gases and expendables (oxygen, nitrogen, argon, among others), chemical storage units, computer equipment and data /storage modules/servers, and other equipment as required. Initially the General Research Center will be co-located with or near the academic laboratories within the colleges of engineering or information technology. Because of the need to work closely with existing businesses, it is anticipated that the center will be located on the male sector of the campus.
Eventually, it can be expected that additional centers will evolve in accordance with the strategic planning of the university and as research and technology requirements are identified and successfully funded through partnerships and collaboration with industry and others.