Lafayette College Opens Rockwell Integrated Science Center

Lafayette College opened the $75 million Rockwell Integrated Sciences Center in August of 2019 in Easton, Pa. Designed by Payette to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, the 103,000-sf facility houses the departments of biology, computer science, and environmental studies and science, as well as accommodating programs in neuroscience and engineering. The five-story structure offers a four-story atrium, 13 biology research labs, eight biology teaching labs, three computer science teaching labs, one computer science research lab, two greenhouses, 35 faculty offices, and a variety of classrooms. The building, which features modular rooms and movable walls and furniture, also houses the Hanson Center for Inclusive STEM Education, the Dyer Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and the Office of Sustainability. The project team included BR+A as MEP engineer, The Harman Group as structural engineer, and Aegis Property Group as project manager. Turner Construction implemented lean building methodology and Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the delivery of the center. The facility has attained LEED Gold sustainable design certification and will act as a living laboratory for the study of the structure's energy and water usage. Ground was broken on the project in May of 2017.