California State University, Chico Dedicates Science Building

Published 3/19/2021

California State University, Chico - Science Building

^{Courtesy of SmithGroup.}

California State University, Chico - Science Building

^{Courtesy of SmithGroup.}

California State University, Chico - Science Building

^{Courtesy of SmithGroup.}

California State University, Chico - Science Building

^{Courtesy of SmithGroup.}

Chico, California

California State University, Chico dedicated the $101 million Science Building in March of 2021. Designed by SmithGroup with Research Facilities Design (RFD) as laboratory design consultant, the 110,200-sf structure features active learning classrooms and teaching labs for chemistry, physics, geology, and environmental sciences. Accommodating core coursework for majors including engineering, education, agriculture, and nursing, the four-story building offers collaboration spaces, graduate research studios, administrative and faculty offices, and an interactive lab for elementary school programs. Extensive internal and external glazing puts science on display while providing abundant natural light to interior spaces. Built to attain LEED Silver sustainable design certification, the facility leverages chilled beams, solar shading technologies, and highly efficient building systems to achieve superior energy performance. DPR Construction was the general contractor for the project, which broke ground in October of 2018.