Work begins on the new John Martinson Entertainment and Engineering Laboratories in Stewart Center

By Rachael Yanni

Fresh paint has gone up, carpet has been removed, and laminate and tiled floors have been stripped, waxed, and refreshed as we prepare the new John Martinson Entertainment and Engineering Labs, totaling approximately 1600 square feet, located on the ground floor of the Stewart Center at Purdue University. The Labs create a space for the exploration of animatronics, automated scenery, 4D experiences, and more. Because loud music and sound effects are typically a part of the design of 4D experiences, in addition to the cosmetic upgrades, new sound proofing has been installed to acoustically isolate the lab from surrounding spaces. 

“Faculty and staff will have the materials and equipment to explore not just how contemporary technologies are currently used but also—more importantly—how those technologies can evolve and allow for modes of live and recorded entertainment we haven’t imagined yet.” – Rich Dionne, Co-director of Fusion Studio for Entertainment and Engineering

Faculty and staff have begun outfitting the John Martinson Entertainment and Engineering Labs with furniture and equipment; colorful rolling chairs and tables made from repurposed stage risers create a unique look. Purdue’s IT team have installed computer stations for drafting, modeling, and robotic character animation. Low-fidelity prototyping tools, white boards, a large color monitor, and a variety of power tools, fasteners, radio controllers, servo motors and electronics components provide for student and faculty design and collaboration to take place in the space.

Soon to arrive will be a suite of five learning stations centered around Weigl Controls and Robotics controls hardware. Weigl Controls can be found in theme parks and museums across the world, and these stations will give students hands-on experience with real-time animation programming for animatronic figures with industry-standard hardware and software. Installation of this system will be completed in the Fall of 2024.

“For me as an artist rooted in the entertainment industry, the art of animatronics perfectly forms bridges between the arts and science. I can’t wait to see what the students will explore in this new facility and how I can be of help on their path to success.” – Michael Meyer, Assistant Clinical Professor of Animatronics

Funded by a generous donation from John Martinson, the Entertainment and Engineering Labs will support Fusion Studio for Entertainment and Engineering efforts to enhance collaboration between students and faculty in this interdisciplinary space. The physical renovations of this lab will be completed by August 1st, making the space ready to be used for the 2024 Fall semester at Purdue University. Additional equipment will continue to be purchased and installed through 2027 to further expand the capabilities and functionality of the Labs.

Visit https://centers.purdue.edu/fusion-studio to learn more about the Fusion Studio and the John Martinson Entertainment and Engineering Lab.