Engineering

The University of Arkansas opened the Anthony Timberlands Center for Design and Materials Innovation in August of 2025 in Fayetteville. Designed by Grafton Architects and Modus Studio, the 44,763-sf facility will enable the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design to advance the discovery and development of innovative timber construction modalities. The six-story development features an 11,000-sf high bay zone for fabrication and design-build activities, connected to teaching spaces above by a central atrium.

The University of Arkansas opened the Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research (I³R) in August of 2025 on its Fayetteville campus. Designed by HGA and Hufft, the $137.6 million facility will accelerate cross-disciplinary research to foster convergence across the public and private sectors and address pressing problems in domains such as medicine, food systems, and cyber technologies. The 144,000-sf building accommodates five wings.

Roanoke College is constructing the Shaun McConnon Discovery Center in Salem, Va. Designed by VMDO Architects, the $60 million project will advance the study of biology, chemistry, environmental science, physics, and engineering. Forming a dynamic link between the existing Life Science building and Trexler Hall, the four-story facility will feature eight teaching labs, classrooms, and technology-rich fabrication and visualization labs to provide opportunities for hands-on learning.

San Diego State University opened the Sciences and Engineering Laboratories in August of 2025 on the Imperial Valley campus in Brawley, Calif. Spanning 37,000 sf, the flexible structure houses teaching labs, interdisciplinary lecture spaces, specialized environments for research, core facilities, and 45 faculty and administrative offices. A STEM innovation hub is augmented by collaborative venues for public and private partners to work side by side with faculty and students.

SJP Properties broke ground in July of 2025 on a state-of-the-art R&D headquarters for Nokia Bell Labs in the Health & Life Science Exchange (HELIX) district in New Brunswick. The 370,000-sf tower features a build-to-suit design, with leading-edge environments and building systems tailored for precise functions within Nokia Bell Labs’ innovation and research operations. Office settings will be accompanied by sophisticated laboratories integrating robust strategies for vibration mitigation.

The University of Illinois at Chicago opened the $118 million Computer Design Research and Learning Center in July 2025. Designed by LMN Architects and Booth Hansen as an expanded and consolidated home for the Department of Computer Science, the 135,000-sf facility will drive groundbreaking research and provide world-class training opportunities for graduates entering high-tech and engineering careers.

Washington State University is constructing the 65,000-sf Schweitzer Engineering Hall on its Pullman campus. Designed by ZGF Architects, the $80.4 million facility will act as the gateway to a vibrant new precinct for the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. Two welcoming entry points will lead to an open, flexible atrium where students can gather and collaborate, accompanied by a learning and advising center to enhance academic outcomes.

California State University, Fullerton broke ground in June of 2025 on the College of Engineering and Computer Science Innovation Hub. Gensler designed the $85 million facility as collaborative workspace that will empower the next generation of innovators and industry professionals to solve real-world challenges. Rising next to the existing engineering building, the 42,000-sf structure will offer teaching and research labs, maker spaces, immersive learning environments, and areas for project-based exploration.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham celebrated the opening of Frances and Miller Gorrie Hall in June of 2025. Designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood, the $77 million facility advances the School of Engineering’s mission to attract leading faculty and train the next generation of modern engineers. The 116,000-sf structure enables a progressive pedagogy that blends academic instruction with hands-on learning and industry experience.

Morgan State University broke ground in May of 2025 on the $337 million Science Center in Baltimore. Designed by Moody Nolan, CannonDesign, and K. Dixon Architecture, the 246,435-gsf building will become the centerpiece of scientific research and instruction on campus. This new home for the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences will provide 135,539 asf of leading-edge space for interactive learning, innovation, and discovery.

Houston Christian University broke ground in April of 2025 on the Smith Engineering, Science and Nursing Building to provide new opportunities for transformative education and further solidify its position as a leader in academic innovation. Kirksey Architecture designed the $60 million facility to meet the functional needs of both the College of Science and Engineering and the Linda Dunham School of Nursing while creating a vibrant destination for all students.

Spelman College opened the Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & the Arts in April of 2025 in Atlanta. Studio Gang and Goode Van Slyke Architecture designed the $96 million project to advance STEM education and drive collaborative discovery at the intersection of technological development and creative expression. Representing the college's first new academic building in nearly 25 years, the 82,500-sf facility is strategically sited on the periphery of campus to foster engagement with a growing arts district.

Iowa State University dedicated the Therkildsen Industrial Engineering Building in May of 2025 in Ames. The four-story, 80,660-gsf facility provides a dynamic new home for the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering's teaching, research, and administrative activities. The $70 million project features technically enhanced environments where students can gain the specialized knowledge to design tomorrow’s innovative, safe, and nimble production processes across all industry sectors.

The University of California, Berkeley celebrated the opening of the Grimes Engineering Center in April of 2025. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the $110 million project involved the partial demolition, renovation, and expansion of the Bechtel Engineering Center to create a vibrant destination for student collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Purdue University broke ground on a $168 million facility for the Mitch Daniels School of Business in April of 2025 in West Lafayette, Ind. Designed by Gensler and BSA, the 164,000-gsf structure will feature sophisticated labs for behavioural research, financial training, and data visualization. Dynamic conference venues will be accompanied by studios enabling online and hybrid pedagogies.