Penn State Opens Engineering Collaborative Research & Education Building

Pennsylvania State University celebrated the opening of the Engineering Collaborative Research and Education Building (ECoRE) in University Park in September of 2024. Located on the West Campus, the 290,000-gsf structure features advanced research and teaching labs for programs in aerospace engineering, architectural engineering, acoustics, and civil and environmental engineering. Payette designed the $228 million facility with research programs grouped by theme to enhance interaction and increase the utilization of shared spaces. 

Offering specialized core labs and an expanded learning factory, the development includes nine general-purpose classrooms, faculty and administrative offices, and a vibrant commons. ECoRe also houses the Engineering Library, the Center for Engineering Outreach and Inclusion, and the Engineering Advising Center. Standing five stories high with an additional basement level, the project incorporates three mezzanine levels with office settings.

Ground was broken in summer of 2021 on the sustainable facility, which is tracking LEED Gold. A sophisticated building envelope, coupled with robust HVAC technologies, delivers a high thermal efficiency rating. Payette also performed master planning services for the engineering campus, which includes a new quad and plaza.