Bowie State University opened the $102 million Center for Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Nursing in June of 2017 in Bowie, Md. Designed by Perkins+Will, the 149,000-sf facility provides a clinical simulation center, undergraduate teaching labs, a plant sciences greenhouse, and a three-story elliptical multipurpose space with 25,000 sf of dynamic window glazing.
United Technologies Corporation (UTC) is planning to build a $75 million additive manufacturing research center in East Hartford, Conn. The 185,000-sf facility will support the creation of advanced components for the aerospace industry using 3D printing technologies. A $40 million engine compressor research building will also be constructed. Additionally, UTC opened a $60 million, 185,000-sf innovation hub in May of 2017, for which LEED Gold sustainable design certification will be sought.
The University of Tennessee opened the 268,000-sf Strong Hall Science Laboratory in Knoxville in May of 2017. Designed by The S/L/A/M Collaborative and Lewis Group Architects, the $114 million renovation project created a flexible, interdisciplinary facility to house the departments of anthropology and earth and planetary sciences, as well as providing teaching and research space for the departments of biology and chemistry.
The University of Montreal is building a CAD$350 million science complex on its Outremont campus. Designed by NFOE, Lemay, and MSDL Architects, the 592,000-gsf project will provide interdisciplinary research and teaching facilities for the departments of chemistry, physics, geography, and biological sciences. LEED Gold sustainable design certification will be sought for the complex, which is being built by EBC at a construction cost of CAD$254 million.
Durham College is building the $40 million Centre for Collaborative Education in Oshawa, Canada. Designed as a campus innovation hub, the 76,000-sf facility will house a business incubator and instructional spaces for programs in pharmacy and behavioral science. The sustainably designed project will feature a green roof, a living wall, a photovoltaic array, and energy-efficient lighting. Completion is expected in April of 2018.
Franklin College broke ground in May of 2017 on a $17 million renovation and expansion of its science center in Franklin, Ind. Designed by BSA LifeStructures, the project will transform the existing 30,000-sf structure into a 51,000-sf building featuring flexible learning spaces that combine laboratory and lecture functions. Offering 16,000 sf of lab space, the completed center will provide nine collaborative learning spaces, 12 teaching labs, three research labs, multi-use classrooms, a teleconferencing suite, and student project areas.
Intense pressure to attract the smartest students and prepare them for tomorrow’s workforce is prompting engineering schools to provide a broad education with hands-on learning, an interdisciplinary curriculum, collaborative activities, and partnerships with local industries. The broader curriculum goes beyond the traditional engineering principles and practices by providing maker spaces to stimulate students’ creativity, critical-thinking ability, and problem-solving skills.
Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) and the City University of New York (CUNY) are developing a joint facility in New York City. MSK’s 23-story outpatient tower, the 750,000-gsf David H. Koch Center for Cancer Care, will feature advanced surgical suites, radiation therapy rooms, and dedicated space for clinical trials. CUNY’s six-story, 400,000-gsf (336,000-asf) Hunter College Science and Health Professions Building will provide sophisticated simulation training suites, teaching and research labs, a technology-rich library, faculty offices, and a vivarium.
The University of Florida opened the $67 million Joseph Hernandez Hall in Gainesville in April of 2017. Designed by Stantec to accommodate programs in chemistry and chemical biology, the five-story, 111,500-sf facility features a general chemistry lab capable of accommodating 256 students at one time, as well as graduate and faculty research labs, interactive undergraduate teaching labs, classrooms, offices, conference rooms, and core research facilities.
Murray State University opened the new Breathitt Veterinary Center in May of 2017 in Hopkinsville, Ky. Replacing the state’s existing animal health lab, the $33 million facility features a BSL-3 suite, an expanded necropsy area, technology-rich classrooms, and collaborative research space. The 77,000-sf center provides 53,000 sf of dedicated diagnostic facilities and features an advanced HVAC system to enhance biosecurity throughout the building. Ground was broken in September of 2014 on the sustainably designed project, which is expected to attain LEED Silver.
Boston University broke ground in May of 2015 on the $150 million Center for Integrated Life Sciences and Engineering (CILSE). Designed by Payette, the nine-story, 170,000-sf facility will support interdisciplinary research on synthetic biology, systems neuroscience, cognitive neuroimaging, and biological design. The project will exceed Boston University’s base energy efficiency code by 30 percent and will have building systems and utilities located on the second and third floors to ensure continuing operations in the event of a flood.
Lafayette College broke ground in May of 2017 on the $75 million Rockwell Integrated Science Center in Easton, Pa. Housing the departments of biology, computer science, and environmental studies, the five-story, 102,000-sf facility will feature an entrepreneurship incubator as well as accommodating programs in engineering and neuroscience. The design architect for the project is Payette and the project manager is Aegis Property Group.
Westfield State University opened the Dr. Nettie M. Stevens Science and Innovation Center in May of 2017 in Westfield, Mass. Designed by Cambridge Seven Associates, the $48 million facility features a technology-rich interdisciplinary classroom, medical simulation suites, teaching and research labs, and study spaces. Accommodating programs in biology, chemistry, physics, nursing, and allied health, the 54,472-sf center includes a tissue culture suite, growth chambers, and environmental control rooms.
Toyota Motor Corp. opened the $154 million North American R&D Purchasing and Prototype Development Center in May of 2017 in York Township, Mich. Representing an expansion of the Toyota Technical Center, the project provides a vehicle prototype development facility, a distribution hub, and an addition to the existing powertrain research center. LEED Platinum sustainable design certification is being sought for the facility, which features a highly efficient building envelope, LED lighting, and low-flow water fixtures. Ground was broken on the project in June of 2015.
Montclair State University’s Center for Environmental and Life Sciences (CELS) has attained LEED Gold sustainable design certification. Designed by The S/L/A/M Collaborative, the 107,500-sf facility provides seven interdisciplinary research suites, six core labs, classrooms, offices, seminar rooms, a 100-seat lecture hall, and a microscopy suite.
