In late August of 2018, students filled with excitement, nerves, and high hopes for a new semester once again flooded the Texas A&M campus. But deep in the far corners of the engineering region of campus, there was a special heightened energy that could be felt reverberating through the students. The much anticipated Zachry Engineering Education Complex was FINALLY open!
Since then, classes have come into full swing and students undoubtedly have had time to do a fair amount of exploring in the new Zachry building. However, there are some special features that I think are worth mentioning in order to get the most out of your experience during your class and study time in Zachry!
1. STARBUCKS
There are many obvious perks to the Zachry Starbucks. It’s new, it’s bright, it’s big, it has tons of seating and tables, conveniently located near an endless supply of caffeine. But the best thing by far is the group of study tables located in the very back room. Once you pass all of the bustle at the front and say hello to the 30 people you will inevitably know in the coffee line, you will find a secluded room of large study tables. These tables are perfect for long periods of quiet studying and provide adequate space to spread out or study with a group of people. Plus, you’re only about 20 steps away from your next necessary dose of caffeine.
2. ROOFTOP GARDENS
The architects for the Zachry building clearly took a page out of High School Musical when designing this feature. Tables and shaded seating areas surrounded by lush greenery provide a great space to clear your head from the four tests and ten homework assignments you’ve been working on all week. Studying in a green space away from your everyday, fluorescent study rooms may also help you get the extra clarity you need to retain more of those concepts and formulas for your classes! Finally, in order to appropriately round out your time in the rooftop garden area, grab a friend, cue the music, and twirl around in true Troy and Gabriella fashion.
3. THE LEARNING STAIRS
It’s at this point I would also like to give a nod to the oversized “Learning Stairs.” These offer a convenient common area to sit in between classes and have copious amounts of outlets to give your devices a quick charge-up. On a completely different note, I personally think it’s also an ideal setting for a flash mob. If someone would like to organize one of these please contact me.
4. ARTWORK
Finally, the Zachry building is home to loads of interesting art pieces from artists who were handpicked to make one-of-a-kind pieces that integrate artistry and engineering concepts. It would honestly be a huge missed opportunity to overlook the impact they can have on your experience in the Zachry building. My personal favorite is a piece titled “Pulse” located in the atrium next to the Starbucks. This piece is comprised of numerous screens that twist and turn, giving the illusion that they are protruding from inside the walls of the building. Different colored lights streak across the screens at different frequencies based on actual data coming from the building! Different colors indicate the current usage of electricity, air conditioning, and internet. Next time you’re walking to one of your classes, take a few seconds to look at one of the pieces strewn about the building. Some were inspired by things such as data analysis, and others by fluid dynamics. You might be surprised by what you’re able to connect to within each piece!
The new ZACH is designed to totally change the way students learn and experience their engineering education. Want to learn more?
CHECK OUT THE NEW ZACHRY ENGINEERING EDUCATION COMPLEX HERE
