Collaboration

The new Engineering and Interdisciplinary Sciences (EIS) complex at San Diego State University (SDSU) was developed to create a modern hub of STEM-focused lab facilities that will enhance the university’s reputation as a leading research institution capable of attracting top researchers and students in a variety of disciplines. The multi-wing complex includes seven engineering teaching labs and 17 interdisciplinary research spaces focused on wireless technologies, energy, and bio-medical engineering, as well as viromics (viral metagenomics)—the study of virus gene sequencing and virus protein structures—which was pioneered by researchers at SDSU. In addition to providing a shared research core, the facility houses an MRI suite and a future materials science imaging center. The complex will focus on everything from developing artificial limbs and wearable health sensors to improving drone technology and finding better ways to screen for harmful microbes. A collocated entrepreneurship center with product and business development support will help bring new technologies and products to market.

The Texas A&M University System is partnering with the U.S. Army to create the $130 million Bush Combat Development Complex in Bryan. Located on the RELLIS campus, the project will include the construction of a $50 million facility housing labs, offices, and accelerator space to support combat development and testing operations.

The University of Minnesota Duluth opened the $44.6 million Heikkila Chemistry and Advanced Materials Science Building in August of 2019. Designed by BWBR Architects to put science on display, the three-story, 56,100-gsf facility provides 12 chemistry research labs, five teaching labs, 11 collaboration areas, 22 faculty offices, and five graduate student work rooms. The Advanced Materials Center offers tools and training suites to support programs in 3D printing and microelectronics.

The University of North Georgia is planning to build the $30 million Cottrell Center for Business, Technology and Innovation in Dahlonega. The 91,000-sf interdisciplinary facility will accommodate programs in computer science, cybersecurity, information systems, computer forensics, and data visualization and analytics.

The University of Manchester's Jodrell Bank Observatory opened the Square Kilometre Array Global Headquarters in July of 2019 in Macclesfield in the United Kingdom. Designed by Hassell to support collaborative research in radio astronomy, the 45,200-sf facility will act as a global nexus for astrophysics, accommodating over 1,000 investigators from 16 countries.

Michigan State University is building the $97.5 million STEM Teaching and Learning Facility in East Lansing. Designed by Ellenzweig and Integrated Design Solutions, the 175,880-gsf project includes the renovation of 40,000 sf in the former Shaw Lane Power Plant to house the Learning Innovation Center, a commons area, maker spaces, and faculty and staff offices.

Piedmont Virginia Community College is planning to build the $20 million Advanced Technical Training Center in Charlottesville, Va. Designed by VMDO as a vibrant hub for academic life, the 45,000-sf facility will provide instructional spaces, administrative offices, and labs for advanced manufacturing, robotics, forensics, and cybersecurity. Offering improved outdoor public areas, the building will include a café and space for student groups. Construction is slated to begin in November of 2020 with completion expected in 2022.

The University of Pennsylvania broke ground in June of 2019 on the $46 million Tangen Hall in Philadelphia. Designed by KSS Architects, the seven-story, 768,000-sf building will house the Integrated Product Design Program, the Venture Lab, the Goergen Entrepreneurial Management Program, the Weiss Tech House, the Sol C. Snider Entrepreneurial Research Center, and space for the Penn Wharton Entrepreneurship program.

Colorado State University will break ground in early 2020 on the $200 million National Western Center Campus in Denver. The 250-acre site will be redeveloped to house three new buildings accommodating research and experiential education programs on global issues including water, food, sustainability, and human and animal health.

Wexford Science+Technology opened the $88 million Wexford Innovation Center in July of 2019 in Providence, R.I. Designed by Ayers Saint Gross, the seven-story, 202,000-sf building will accommodate tenants including Brown University's School of Professional Studies, the Cambridge Innovation Center, Johnson & Johnson, the Venture Café, and The Boston Globe. Interior improvements valued at $17 million were performed for the Cambridge Innovation Center's facilities.

The University of Illinois at Chicago opened the $100 million Academic and Residential Complex in August of 2019. Representing a public-private partnership with American Campus Communities, the project includes a two-story, 54,000-sf academic building providing collaboration spaces, small group study rooms, a tutoring center, and seven technology-rich classrooms for interactive learning, one of which can accommodate 288 students.

The University of Glasgow is building the £90.6 million James McCune Smith Learning Hub in Scotland in the United Kingdom. Designed by HLM Architects, the seven-story, 179,111-sf facility will feature technology-enhanced active learning (TEAL) spaces, seminar rooms, collaboration areas, multipurpose classrooms, study spaces, and a 500-seat lecture hall. Multiplex is the construction manager for the building with SES Engineering as mechanical and electrical engineer.

Rice University broke ground in July of 2019 on The Ion in Houston. Fostering the creation of new digital technologies, the $110 million project includes the renovation of a former Sears building to create a 270,000-sf innovation hub for data sciences research initiatives. Designed by Gensler, SHoP Architects, James Carpenter Design Associates, and James Corner Field Operations, the center will offer event spaces, meeting rooms, business incubation suites, dining venues, and entertainment amenities.

The University of Cambridge will break ground in November of 2019 on the Heart and Lung Research Institute in Cambridge in the United Kingdom. Sited adjacent to the Royal Papworth Hospital on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the facility will accommodate 380 academic and industry scientists engaged in the discovery of new therapeutics and diagnostic tools for cardiovascular conditions.

Swansea University is planning to construct the £30 million Center for Integrative Semiconductor Materials in Wales in the United Kingdom. The three-story, 46,500-sf facility will house cleanrooms, labs, and offices to support the creation of advanced semiconductor materials, processes, and technologies. Located on the Bay Campus, the multidisciplinary project will integrate manufacturing, research, and development operations as well as offering business incubation and workforce development opportunities.