Founded by creative thinking pioneers Alex F. Osborn and Sidney J. Parnes more than half a century ago, the Center for Applied Imagination at Buffalo State stands as the first educational institution in the world to offer graduate-level courses, a master of science in creativity studies, and—beginning in fall 2026—a doctor of professional studies in creativity and change leadership.
The Alex F. Osborn Brainstorming Room, located in the university’s E.H. Butler Library, is a recent addition that will facilitate interaction and engagement between Buffalo State and community organizations and businesses, allowing these groups to benefit from what the Center has been teaching for decades.
This flexible, purpose-built space is designed to support collaborative thinking, innovation, and creative problem solving through the intentional use of proven creativity methods. Serving as a learning laboratory within the E. H. Butler Library, the room brings together students, faculty, staff, and community partners to generate ideas, develop solutions, and advance new knowledge in an environment designed for imaginative work. Reflecting Buffalo State University’s pioneering legacy as the birthplace of the global creativity movement, the space supports creative problem-solving sessions, workshops, facilitated engagement, project-based collaboration, and meetings based on creative collaboration.
“The Alex F. Osborn Brainstorming Room builds on the Center for Applied Imagination’s more than 50-year legacy as a global leader in creative education, rooted in Alex Osborn’s invention of brainstorming itself, by offering a purpose-built space for deliberate creative thinking,” said Gerard Puccio, chair of the Creativity and Change Leadership Department. “I’m excited about its future as an open, community-facing hub where local organizations can experience the power of creative collaboration to tackle complex challenges and imagine what’s possible—together.”
In keeping with donor wishes, the Alex F. Osborn Brainstorming Room is reserved exclusively for meetings and activities that align with its mission and vision, and use of the space is available by reservation through Events Management at Buffalo State by calling (716) 878-6114, emailing eventmgt@buffalostate.edu, or visiting the Events Management website for availability and scheduling guidelines.