Area 49 to spark innovation/collaboration through advanced technology

Area 49, a state-of-the-art learning and technology space designed to encourage cross-disciplinary exploration and collaboration, is open at UNC Charlotte’s J. Murrey Atkins Library. A ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 25, held at Area 49 on the library’s second floor, marked its introduction to campus.

“Nearly four years in the making, Area 49 comprises six specialized spaces designed to provide students and researchers the space and technology to create or make what they envision and gain experience with technologies they will experience in the workplace,” said Anne Cooper Moore, the library’s dean.

Area 49 includes:

• Makerspace – Technology such as 3D printers, laser cutters and sewing machines
• EZ Video Studio – Easy-to-use soundproof audio and video recording studio, professional grade lighting, video camera and blue screen
• Gaming Lab – Alienware Gaming PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4 Pro, laptop gaming connection and Atari
• Visualization Lab – 86.5 by 284 inch widescreen display, three computing options, SmartBoard, HTC Vive (for virtual reality), collaboration space
• Multimedia Lab – Hardware and software for professional-quality media production; 10 Mac computers equipped with Adobe Creative Cloud, Final Cut Pro and iMovie
• T3 Classroom (Teaching + Technology Theater) – Flexible classroom and experimental teaching space for instructions, demonstrations and workshops

“Area 49 represents the mission of UNC Charlotte’s library to connect people, ideas, spaces and technology,” said Bob Price, assistant dean for technology and digital strategies. “As the center and intellectual heart of campus, the library offers shared space for innovation, where ideas grow and come to life.”

In addition, Area 49 provides a technology support desk and personnel trained to assist student and faculty users with checking out digital and 360-degree video cameras, audio recorders, tripods, iPads, projectors, circuitry kits and other equipment. Workshops for instructors, classes and research groups can be scheduled, too.

Atkins Library acknowledges a number of University partners whose input contributed to the launch of Area 49: Renovations, spaces and furnishings, sponsored by the Division of Academic Affairs; equipment and technologies, provided by student fees, the College of Computing and Informatics, and the library; space planning and coordination, managed by Caroline Hill, Design Services; identification and ordering of technology, managed by Rich Previll, Scott Strilka and Alex Frizzell, Audiovisual Integration and Support for Learning Services (AISLE); and renovations, led by James Williams, Facilities Management.