Cornerstone for a Science Precinct

Dynamic Central Commons

The dramatic, skylit four story commons is the heart of the new building, with a rich array of study/gathering spaces perched throughout and connected by meandering stairways. Research Laboratories and Advanced Teaching Labs occupy the upper floors of the three stone clusters, each with a strong, highly visible presence on the commons through ample glazing that reinforces the concept of science on display. Teaching Labs and Classrooms occupy the ground levels and reinforcing the pulse of activity of students and faculty coming and going.

Monumental Openness and Expression

The research community of the SEL is loosely defined, intentionally. As research agendas and teams change, so too will the needs of the lab environment. In designing the lab, PAYETTE imagined a new type of research laboratory that could accommodate computational research, dry bench experimentation, and wet lab bench interchangeably. This ‘Lab Loft’ is made possible by a robust overhead infrastructure and dedicated zones for shared laboratory support space. The overhead infrastructure supports flexible power and data supply as well as the laboratory mechanical needs, all coordinated to accommodate multiple lab organization strategies while leaving the exposed DLT decking visible. The series of shared support spaces flanking the north and south of the lab can facilitate anything from intensive hood work, specialized equipment/research down to additional conference or breakout space.