Installation Details

The Russ Research Opportunity Center (RROC) at Ohio University’s Russ College of Engineering and Technology exemplifies how adaptive reuse can elevate modern research. Transforming a 1920s warehouse into an 84,000-square-foot hub for engineering innovation, the project consolidates previously scattered labs into a single facility designed for interdisciplinary collaboration. With expansive floor-to-floor heights, robust structural capacity, and an open floor plan, the building now supports research in biomolecular, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, while offering flexible configurations that can adapt as programs evolve. The result is a dynamic center of excellence that advances faculty research, student learning, and the university’s ability to attract top talent and funding.

Critical to this transformation was the use of lab-grade materials that ensure safety, durability, and long-term adaptability. In a facility designed for high-performance research, finishes and furnishings must withstand heavy use, resist chemical exposure, and remain easy to clean without compromising flexibility or aesthetics. From robust casework and durable surfaces to specialized seating and protective wall systems, every material decision contributes to a research environment that is both resilient and future-ready. By prioritizing lab-grade materials, Ohio University created a facility that not only meets the immediate demands of today’s engineering research but also provides a sustainable foundation for innovation well into the future.

Cramer installed 92 Helix High-Height chairs in Aquamarine.