Sciences Complex
Architectural planning for the Sciences Complex began in 1991 with
staff interviews, questionaire answering, and tours of similar facilities.
The first proposed design was an "E" design with Physical Science on the
bottom and Biology on the top. Because of cost and construction this was
quickly modified to Physical Science on top to allow for cheaper ventilation
hoods in the labs. The "E" consisted of classrooms on the spine and the
wings were Biology and Chemistry labs, offices, and Physics labs respectively.
This gave lots of window space but was exterior wall excessive and the design
evoloved to the "U" as is pictured in most of the drawings and models. After
a series of room arrangements and shrinking of the building took place, the
Sciences Complex was ready for bidding. The bids came in almost 3.5 million
over available funds so shrinking occured again. This is where the Physics
wing was dropped to the ground (it had been on the second floor leaving a
covered patio underneath) and the deans offices were moved into the Biology
office area. The lab wings were also shortened again.
With the completion of the building, classes began in the spring of 1997. The new building is almost four times larger than the former combined
facilities of the Biology and Physical Science Buildings and is fully ADA
compliant. The large central hallway and the upstairs balcony is referred
to as the "Student Interaction Area" and the open area in the office complex
is the "Faculty Interaction Area." The latter is secure if needed and will
be utilized for faculty conferences and student help as needed.
In 1998, the Science Complex won an Outstanding Building Award from the American School and University Magazine. It was featured in their November 1998 issue.
Departments located in the Sciences Complex:
