Integrative Design Experience Laboratory (IDEXlab)

What is the IDEXlab?
The IDEXlab is a non-traditional curriculum program in the Building Science program, where students receive course credit for participating in their concentration to plan, design, build, and commission real projects for real clients. This experience provides a professional office-like setting where students work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. Faculty serve as both educators and facilitators while students learn by practicing their discipline through a real project.

Who can join the IDEXlab?
The IDEXlab is open to any senior standing student at Appalachian State University. The majority of our students are in our Building Science program with concentrations in construction management, sustainable building systems, and architectural technology and design.

What are some of the IDEXlab projects?
The IDEXlab has completed a broad range of project types. The IDEXlab seeks sponsored studio projects which can impact local communities and can provide a service to community groups which might typically not be able to afford the associated costs of design and build services.

  • Alleghany County Farmer's Market, Sparta, NC
  • Valley Crucis Welcome Center, Valley Crucis, NC
  • HOW Space, Boone, NC
  • The MOBILab, Beech Mountain, NC
  • The mobiLANDING, Beech Mountain, NC
  • Covered Bridge Park and Edward's Island Park Schematic Master Plan, Elizabethton, TN

How does the IDEXlab operate?
The IDEXlab was originally piloted by funding through a National Science Foundation TUES Grant. Today, the program has evolved, and is only made possible because of sponsors who help us make our work possible. Because of these sponsors, our students are provided a unique hands-on experience that sets them apart in the industry.

How can you stay up to date with the IDEXlab?
Be sure to keep up with us on Instagram @theIDEXlab where we are always up to something worth following.