Vassar College Builds Integrated Science Center

Vassar College is constructing the $125 million Integrated Science Center in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. The project includes a new 80,000-sf teaching and research building designed by Ennead Architects that will bridge a ravine. Three existing facilities will also be renovated. Supporting programs in earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics, the Integrated Science Center will feature the collaborative Earth and Environment Lab housing two faculty research labs, a shared teaching lab, a cleanroom, a coldroom, and a student-faculty joint use lab. LEED sustainable design certification will be sought for the center, which will include an advanced HVAC system with precise temperature and humidity controls for lab spaces. Ground was broken on the project in 2013 and completion is expected in fall of 2015.