Programming for Academic Science

Core labs are in, large auditoriums are out.

Published October 2007 Clarity on key project elements is vital.

Be clear and get agreement on key elements of the science program you are planning for – for example: faculty/student interaction, small classes, and hands-on lab learning. Such program elements will dictate what you build. Student focused spaces (i.e. spaces for students to meet and hang out) tend to get dropped from (or cut from) programs, but they are critical to the success of science teaching. Fight to get them into the program and keep them in. In research buildings, core labs can account for as much as 50% of the space – meaning that the planning and design of core lab areas justifies a special planning and design attention. There is growing consensus that 20 years from now 400-seat auditoriums are not likely to be part of the science teaching pedagogy. Such facilities may continue to serve general scientific or public meeting functions, but that raises questions about location and access.

- From Tradeline’s College and University Science Buildings 2007 conference.