Fractal: STEAM School & Robotics Makerspace

Ben Chamberlin

Industrial Design, 2023

Fractal is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) school & robotics makerspace for children ages 5-13 (K-8th grade) in Franklinton, Ohio. The three public elementary schools in Franklinton display an average of 41% of students experiencing chronic absenteeism. Within the same vein, there is a lack of consistent and accessible creative outlets for young children in Franklinton. The children of Franklinton are able to attend Fractal in the morning and be bussed back to their public school for the afternoon. The robotics makerspace provides students access to 3D printers, AR/VR technology, computers with creative and technical software, arts and crafts supplies, and a robotics competition arena. These resources are available to the public during off-hours. Fractal supports a variety of learning styles and allows children to explore technology, innovation, and creativity while building a toolkit of engineering and computer science skills.

Ben Chamberlin project image 2 — Floor Plan – The programmatic space planning was inspired by the voronoi pattern found in leaves.

Ben Chamberlin project image 3 — Robotics Makerspace Arena – The Robotics Arena folds down from the wall for robotics competitions & presentations.

Ben Chamberlin project image 4 — Cafe & Lounge – The digital tech ribbon provides natural moving patterns and sounds for the cafe & lounge.

Ben Chamberlin project image 5 — K-2nd Grade Learning Studio – Every desk in the learning studio can be written on with whiteboard markers.

Ben Chamberlin project image 6 — 3rd-5th Grade Learning Studio – The soffited digital screen plays a timelapse of erosion to contextualize the lesson.

Ben Chamberlin project image 7 — 6th-8th Grade Learning Studio – Pegboard space can be used for group work and to show off their hard work.

View Thesis Documentation Here!

Ben Chamberlin is a 2023 graduate of The Ohio State University obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design with a research distinction. His passion for human-centered, sustainable design motivated him to become a WELL Accredited Professional in the summer of 2021. During his time at Ohio State, Ben has held several design & research internships. He values the importance of research and co-design in creating successful and inspiring interiors.

You can check out her portfolio at this website!

Filters: 2023, Undergraduate Studies, Interior Design, Undergraduate Capstone Project