Design Solution
The result consolidates nine departments and four interdisciplinary programs into one complex. New construction includes a 118,000-sf modern laboratory building that connects the three existing science buildings, all of which have been renovated. The central space created by the new construction houses the new 30,000-sf Schow Science Library and the Science Court. Zimmer Gunsul Frasca served as design architect in association with Einhorn Yaffee Prescott.

The design team capitalized on the configuration of the existing buildings to create a library at the physical center of the complex. Existing and new labs and classrooms are arranged around the library making it the academic focus of the science complex. In addition, the computerized library catalog is accessible to off-site computers, including those located in dormitories.

To foster the interdisciplinary approach to teaching science, interaction areas are incorporated into the design along the primary circulation path. These study areas open to the corridor and are equipped with blackboards, tables and comfortable furniture to encourage interaction among the students. The main entrance to the facility is called the Science Court. This space provides additional areas for exhibiting student and faculty research projects.

The materials and color of the building addition are carefully blended into the family of the existing buildings, and in scale with the Bronfman building (1968) with which it is most closely associated on the exterior. The interior, however, is seamless with the three older Thompson labs that now house less laboratory-intensive activities.

Project Information
Building Owner:		Williams College
Owner Contact:		Winthrop Wassenar, Director of Buildings and Grounds
Building Location:		Williamstown, MA UNITED STATES
Project Type:		New Construction,Renovation
Principal Building Function:		Undergraduate Science Teaching and Research Facilities
Project Delivery Method:		Lump Sum
Project Timeline		Mar 1995 Planning Start Jul 1995 Design Start Oct 1997 Construction Start Dec 2000 Target Completion Last known status: Construction
Project Cost:		$47,100,000
Construction Cost:		$35,981,238
Cost Per Sq. Ft:		$164
		About These Cost Figures
Building Information
Project Includes:		Astronomy Biology Chemistry Computers Education Education: Administration Education: Classroom Education: Physics Environmental Science Geology Laboratory: Research Laboratory: Teaching Library Life Sciences
Total GSF:		219,471
Total NSF:		129,757
Efficiency:		59%
Building Population:		73
People Density:		3000 gsf/person
Building Services:		Hot/cold and pure water, industrial hot water, lab vacuum, gas, compressed air
Special Equip:		Library Shelving, Compact Library Storage System, Greenhouse
Office Size:		178 NSF
Power Req:		Lighting: 1.5 w/nsf Equipment: 2.8 w/nsf
HVAC Req:		2.67 cfm/nsf
Structure/Foundation:		Structural steel with caisson footings
Laboratory Parameters
Lab Module:		10' 6" x 30'
Casework Mat'l:		Custom Maple
Fume Hoods:		57
Project Team
Architect - Design		Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects LLP
Architect of Record		Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering P.C.
Consultant - Electrical		Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering P.C.
Consultant - Mechanical		Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering P.C.
General Contractor		Gilbane Building Company
Profile Created 12/01/2000
Last Updated 04/04/2006
About the Reported Cost Figures The cost figures reported are supplied by the firms that submitted these projects for publication, which in most cases are the designers or builders. Whereas these sources are intimately familiar with their projects, they may not be fully aware of the owners' finally-realized and recorded costs. In some cases, costs are truly and completely accounted for, and in others they represent a near approximation of the final costs. Costs have not been adjusted for year of construction, nor has any attempt been made to make regional cost adjustments. Further, costs are not comparable on any kind of detailed standard costing model. Hence, it is possible for the cost of one building to include a steam boiler, while the cost of a comparable building might not include the boiler, if steam is being supplied from an already existing campus grid. Or, in another case, a building might include excess boiler capacity to supply steam to another building. Some submittals include fees or unusual site improvements as part of the construction costs, which others do not.