The Charles Huang Innovation Wing is on the verge of transforming the way students at Webb learn and collaborate. Offering cutting-edge technology and flexible spaces, this new space will allow students to explore their interests in tech, 3D printing, podcasting, and much more.  

After years of planning and anticipation, the Innovation Wing is expected to open soon. 

Renovating the library space and transforming it from a book repository to a dynamic academic center has been a long-term project. The idea for the Charles Huang Innovation Wing came around three years ago; it was intended to equip the library with advanced tools and technology to support student learning and exploration.  

“We want to offer a space for Webb students who are interested in a lot of varied things,” said Tim Coates, Director of Technology. 

A major part of the construction of the Wing began last summer in the library; Melissa Mani, Fawcett Assistant Librarian, and Dr. Mark Dzula, Director of Teaching & Learning Resources, collaborated to reorganize the library space. The books were rearranged, and the genre sections were moved around to adapt to the new space.  

During the first days of school, the library was outright closed to students and fenced at the entrance, as construction was still ongoing. This was an inconvenience to students who have a habit of staying in the library during breaks or free blocks, and especially changed the routines of day students. Thankfully, the library was open to the public again upon the start of classes, and courses like Journalism did not have to make major changes to the class schedule.  

“The construction wasn’t too disruptive, which I did appreciate,” Andrew Barrantes (’25) said. 

The new renovations removed two old classrooms — Library North and South — and one study room, which was used as a quiet study space for students to catch up on their work. Alongside the classrooms, the textbook room and Dr. Dzula’s office were converted into Studio A and Studio B. These spaces have now become part of the Innovation Lab Conference Room. 

Webb students remain hopeful about the potential of the new space, especially the addition of a robotic arm that will open the horizons of opportunities for students interested in robotics, engineering or programming to apply latest technologies to their projects.  

“The renovations are really nice and really well needed, even though we are sad about the loss of the old classrooms,” Andrew said. 

The Charles Huang Innovation Wing is expected to open after winter break, pending final permits and approvals.  

The primary purpose of the Charles Huang Innovation Wing is closely aligned with Webb’s mission to empower students through experiential learning. By providing access to innovative tools, Webb is responding to the growing demand for resources that will push students’ independent learning further than once imagined.  

One of the rooms in the wing is a conference room designed for community members to host Zoom calls with external speakers, providing opportunities to ask questions and to explore how their interests can translate into real-world careers.  

Students can also gather around the table to share projects on the screen and collaborate with each other. These functions will strengthen connections both within the Webb community and with technology experts beyond campus. 

Additionally, equipment like powerful computers, 3D printers, and a UFactory xArm 6 robotic arm will allow students with a passion for robotics and engineering to engage in hands-on learning, deepening their understanding through practical experience. 

“I think students should be clamoring to have access to the things that are going to push their learning further,” said Dr. Smith, Head of School. 

Students explore what they are truly passionate about through experimenting. In a space like the Charles Huang Innovation Wing, students are encouraged to take ownership of these spaces and advocate for the resources they need to fully explore their academic and creative interests.  

Serving as a new flexible space for Webb students to invent and explore, the Charles Huang Innovation Wing also aligns with Webb’s curriculum and blends with the broader academic experience. For instance, a notable addition to the Webb curriculum this year, the Tech and Innovation course, will be accommodated in the new Wing as it equips students with the skills needed for collaboration in a digital age.  

With the Charles Huang Innovation Wing becoming available for the Webb community, the learning experience at Webb will strike a thoughtful balance between state-of-the-art technology and immersive, hands-on environments. This is crucial because as the needs of students evolve, so does the role of traditional spaces like the library.  

“The whole Innovation Wing was about being customizable, flexible, able to serve a lot of different purposes,” Mr. Coates said.  

The wing is a direct reflection of Webb’s commitment to experiential learning — it will provide students with that very opportunity, empowering them to take ownership of their learning experience and to dive deeper into their academic and creative passions.