Designed to support the Center’s four major laboratories, the MDL functions as a dynamic, hands-on learning environment. It showcases current construction assemblies through the design, engineering, and installation of real-world building materials, reinforcing the Center’s commitment to applied learning and innovation.
Initially planned as a pre-engineered metal structure, Omni Design successfully collaborated with Cal Poly to re-envision the building. The revised design reflects the creativity of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design and highlights the contributions of the project’s primary donor. The result is one of the few Type IV (Heavy Timber) structures on a university campus in California. In 2011, the project was honored with the U.S. WoodWorks “Wood Behind the Walls” Award.
Omni Design, Inc. provided full architectural and civil engineering services for the project, overseeing the process from design through construction administration and final record documentation. Additional services included coordination with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and project approval.
