Inviting the Community into a “Home for Science”

The Rita Hollings Science Center serves as a “home for science” for the Biology, Physics and Psychology departments. Spaces included in the renovation and addition to the existing science building include: research laboratories, teaching laboratories, classrooms, a flat-floor, flexible auditorium, collaboration spaces, offices and a vivarium to accommodate all of the animal holding needs for the college. Working within an existing building envelope, the design team worked to identify areas where they could improve utilization and usability of space while supporting changes in teaching pedagogy.

Key features include:

• Flexible classroom spaces throughout the building to allow for different pedagogical styles
• Increased natural daylight and improved environmental quality in common study areas
• Flat-floor lecture hall with no fixed seating allowing for easy reconfiguration and higher utilization
• A planetarium, a large telescope dome and a publicly accessible roof deck with telescope mounts on the rooftop where the college can hold “Astronomy Nights” for the community.

 Designed in collaboration with Rosenblum Coe Architects.