Giving Compass' Take:

• In order to provide more hands-on learning opportunities and proper makerspace for innovation, Singapore Management University (SMU) is constructing a new net-zero energy building that will provide these opportunities. 

• Are more sustainable buildings and hands-on learning (especially maker) spaces trending within international higher education?

• Read about how to build makerspaces to foster student creativity and coding. 

Singapore Management University (SMU) students will soon have more opportunities to network with start-up founders and mentors, and work on real-world projects from organizations and companies.

Construction of a new environmentally friendly building along Stamford Road that facilitates such meetings and hands-on learning began on Monday morning (Aug 27), with works expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

SMU-X is designed to mimic the workplace and allows students from different faculties to tackle real-world challenges by taking on projects from corporate, non-profit and government sector organizations. The new five-story building will feature a "makerspace" that is equipped with 3D printers and handyman tools that students can use to create and build prototypes for SMU-X projects.

About 500 sq m of the 8,600 sq m development will be set aside as incubation spaces - permanent, physical event and networking areas - for start-ups, to provide an environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. It will be able to accommodate at least 80 start-ups per year, up from 40 now.

The interior of the building will incorporate balconies, terraces and open staircases. Existing structures surrounding the new building will also be taken into consideration.

It is designed to meet the BCA's Green Mark Platinum certification. It is the first on-site net-zero energy building in the city center, which means it is self-sustainable as it has its own power generated from a photovoltaic system located in the development.

Read the full article about hands-on learning  by Jolene Ang at The Straits Times