University of Minnesota Opens Science Teaching and Student Services Building

The University of Minnesota celebrated the opening of the $72.5 million Science Teaching and Student Services building in Minneapolis in November of 2010. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates in association with HGA Architects and Engineers, the facility includes two lecture halls, 10 advanced learning classrooms (ALCs), and 17 multipurpose classrooms. The building also houses administrative offices, conference rooms, a student lounge, a café area, and numerous informal student study areas of varied scale. Construction began on the project in early 2009. LEED Gold certification will be sought for the facility. Sustainable strategies employed include day-lighting, natural convection, raised floors employing displacement ventilation, and high-performance glass featuring custom ceramic frit patterns in order to improve energy efficiency and building performance.