feature / college-news / transportation-design
April 23, 2025
The Mullin Transportation Design Center. A space for future thinking.
At ArtCenter, we believe that learning environments should embody the same principles of design excellence we teach in our classrooms. In fact, anyone who sets foot on campus feels the combined impact of our architecture and facilities adding up to nothing less than endless possibilities.
One of our newest exceptional spaces — South Campus’ Mullin Transportation Design Center (MTDC), made possible via the generosity of Peter and Merle Mullin — topped the L.A. Times’ list of best architectural projects.
The former 1940s supersonic wind tunnel, reinvented by Darin Johnstone Architects, features 31,000 square feet of specialized labs, studios and maker spaces, punctuated by a floating concrete deck that doubles as a breathtaking exhibition space.
Another goal of ours is for South Campus to become more accessible to the community, both local and regional
Karen HofmannPresident, ArtCenter
"Peter Mullin saw ArtCenter as the opportunity to build upon the legacy of having a forward-thinking transportation design department," says ArtCenter president Karen Hofmann. "For him, his project fulfilled his passion for future creators of vehicles."
A first-of-its-kind resource, Mobility Experience Lab by Genesis, Hyundai, & Kia, creates space for transdisciplinary courses, projects and workshops, to experiment and collaborate across multiple fields.
The vehicle architecture lab serves as a centerpiece, allowing transportation design students a dedicated space to understand the anatomy of a vehicle.
A concept that's also reflected in the open architecture: The building is designed to peel back layers of the interior, showcasing the structure and rich history, including the rafters that have been there for decades.
These cutting-edge facilities and spaces aren't just for students.
"Another goal of ours is for South Campus to become more accessible to the community, both local and regional," says Hofmann. "This particular campus offers a great touchpoint as the gateway of Pasadena."
