Life Science Building

Clemson University’s three-story, 100,000-gsf Life Science Building contains 25 research laboratories, three teaching laboratories, a state-of-the-art Leica Microsystems imaging suite, and a range of high-tech support space. A key component of the University’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences (CAFLS), the building is designed for interdisciplinary and collaborative faculty research and teaching focused on emerging pathogens, cancer cures and prevention, microbiology, and food safety.

The north block contains a mixture of teaching, research, and building support spaces, while the south block houses strictly research laboratory and office space. A central atrium between the two lab blocks acts as the heart of the facility, providing a rich environment for researchers and visitors to interact and collaborate. The central space—activated by high-tech meeting space at each level and an outdoor terrace—serves as the main entry into the facility, as well as a pass-through to the future science quad.   

Various features were incorporated into the building’s design to minimize solar heat gain and maximize natural daylighting in the north-south orientation, which was necessitated by the building’s connection to an existing lab building to the north. The east façade utilizes a system of sunshades and light shelves within punched openings of the brick face, while the west façade is articulated in a “saw tooth” pattern, providing the means to best manage the solar heat gain of the harsh western sun while bouncing light deep into the research laboratories.

The research laboratories—designed using a generic, flexible, open concept—provide a collaborative environment that allows for interaction among research teams. They are equipped with a balance of fixed and mobile casework, along with open equipment space.  Additionally, clustered within the open research space, are support labs, of which 75 percent are shared among the floors.

Located directly across the corridor from the research laboratories are the faculty research office suites, which have easy access and views to research activities. They are designed to encourage collaboration with two team suites in a rich, naturally lit working environment for all activities.

On the north wing are three undergraduate teaching laboratories for microbiology that expose students to the latest research methods. The advanced imaging suite on the north wing is intended for use by more than 60 research scientists and will be available to private corporations. The suite is located in a prominent location on the ground floor, giving exposure to the various research activities.

The building, which acheived LEED Gold, was designed and constructed using the latest BIM technology, which allowed for a smooth and collaborative design and construction process.