Cultivating Culture and Fostering Community at Tsai CITY
Tsai CITY continues to transforms its space to promote engagement and collaboration, highlighting our commitment to innovation and community.
Cultivating a community is not merely about gathering people; it involves creating a physical environment that fosters collaboration and a sense of belonging. Over the past year, we have introduced improvements that have shifted how our student community interacts and collaborates.
The Magic of Music
Playing music at the center has energized the environment. This straightforward yet effective approach has revitalized the space — transforming the quiet atmosphere into one that promotes the lively discussion and interaction essential for innovation. Integrating music into the daily rhythm of Tsai CITY encourages students to interact, converse, and collaborate.
A Dedicated Space for Creatives and Founders
Deepening our commitment to nurturing innovation across disciplines, we have established a dedicated ‘Creator Space’ on the first floor. Equipped with up-to-date audiovisual technology, this workspace is designed to inspire and support creative productions, such as podcasts, short- and long-form video content, and presentations. The Creator Space will be available to all students beginning September 2024.
Similarly, our second-floor Founders’ Lounge is a designated workspace for founders to gather, focus, and connect. Furnished with adaptable furniture, bean bag chairs, a large touchscreen and digital whiteboard, and a plethora of books on entrepreneurship, creativity, innovation, activism, and more, this lounge serves as a home for student entrepreneurs
Aesthetic and Functional Upgrades
To create a more welcoming environment, we have introduced several aesthetic upgrades. The walls and doors now feature colorful words and imagery, adding vibrancy and warmth to the space; this includes the addition of the "Big Ideas Start Here" wall on the first floor. This wall showcases some of Yale's vibrant alumni innovators who are making a significant impact around the world. These design updates aren't just about visual appeal; the vibrant colors and designs are constant reminders of the creativity and dynamism Tsai CITY stands for.
The communal areas have also been upgraded to serve as comfortable and inspiring places for students to gather. Equipped with movable tables and chairs — some designed and created by our very own Tsai CITY alums, Wiggle Room and Hugo & Hoby — to offer more flexibility to accommodate meetings and gatherings. It is equipped with whiteboards and tech resources readily available for use, making it an ideal space for ideation and collaboration.
Fun is the heart of our space! Games like Connect Four, CornHole, and a variety of board games are available to play throughout the building. For added enjoyment, there’s a complimentary snack and coffee station on the second floor. These amenities aren't just for entertainment—they're designed to spark joy, encourage social interaction, and create a lively community atmosphere.
As Tsai CITY continues to evolve, we remain committed to “inspiring students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to seek innovative ways to solve real-world problems.” This commitment is reflected in our programs and resources— and in our ongoing initiatives to activate the space so that it becomes a welcoming hub of innovation for all Yale students.
