Engineering

The ideal lab building can flex over time to accommodate each new generation of researchers, with minimal disruption and infrastructure change. Using an approach called the “resilient chassis,” labs are grouped by typologies and placed around a common spine or “chassis” of mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) systems based on zoning and capacity needs. The best location for each lab is determined by grouping labs together that share specialized requirements, such as vibration sensitivities, noise restrictions, lighting or electrical requirements, and instrumentation needs. 

The University of California, Davis is constructing the Lynda and Steward Resnick Agricultural Innovation Center on its main campus. The $66.4 million facility will enable the exploration of new ways of balancing food production with leading sustainability practices while advancing the global agricultural industry with scalable solutions. Designed by Yazdani Studio of CannonDesign to drive collaboration, the 32,000-sf building will feature diverse and dynamic environments for learning and research. 

Daikin Applied is constructing an advanced research and development test lab at its headquarters in Plymouth, Minn. The $163 million facility will accelerate the creation of next-generation cooling technologies for hyperscale data centers and traditional HVAC markets to address intensifying demand driven by the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. 

The University of Oregon is constructing the second phase of the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact in Eugene. Designed by ZGF Architects, Building 2 will double capacity for the research and development of biomedical technologies and expand space for academic programs, engineering, and applied science.

Arizona State University is planning to construct an innovation and education hub that will act as the headquarters for ASU Health in Phoenix. Designed by CO Architects and DFDG Architecture to drive multidisciplinary discovery, the 200,000-sf facility will house the School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering and the School of Technology for Public Health.

Northern Kentucky University is expanding and renovating the Dorothy Westerman Herrmann Science Center in Highland Heights. Designed by Omni Architects and Flad Architects, the $86 million facility will enhance the delivery of STEM+Health programs, accommodate growing enrollment, and drive regional workforce development. The addition of an 85,400-sf wing will consolidate several academic departments under one roof, including Biological Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, and Physics, Geology & Engineering Technology.

Academic STEM facilities need the flexibility to accommodate an expanding range of disciplines and pedagogical methods while equipped with an adaptable infrastructure responsive to occupancy shifts and technology advances. Today’s projects often span the complexity spectrum, from soft spaces and graduate student workstations outside the lab to a zero-point energy (ZPE) environment for quantum physics research or an engineering lab housing a wind tunnel. While the terms “flexibility” and “adaptability” are often used interchangeably to describe the requirements of a lab building, planners at Research Facilities Design (RFD) draw a clear distinction between the two. In their context, flexibility is what occurs below the ceiling, for example, movable casework that allows a lab to accommodate new equipment or new research opportunities. Adaptability refers to what happens above the ceiling, such as robust MEP systems, well-organized ductwork and piping racks, and spare capacity at the electrical panel to support new or expanded programs in the building. 

The University of North Texas is constructing the Science and Technology Building on its Denton campus. Designed by SmithGroup, the $109 million facility will serve the College of Science, the College of Engineering, the College of Health and Public Service, and other departments and programs.

The University of North Dakota broke ground in September of 2025 on the STEM Complex in Grand Forks. Designed by Clark & Enersen and EAPC Architects Engineers, the $163 million facility aims to redefine education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in the state and beyond. This dynamic ecosystem will foster corporate engagement while accelerating discovery in fields such as transportation, artificial intelligence, and advanced materials.

The College of Eastern Idaho is constructing the Future Tech building on the Idaho Falls campus. The $50 million facility will leverage connections with the region’s institutional and industry leaders to realize advances in energy resources, sustainability practices, and technological applications, while providing hands-on training to address growing workforce demands in those fields.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison opened a $267 million facility for the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences in August of 2025. Designed by LMN Architects and Kahler Slater, Morgridge Hall will act as a beacon of innovation for the state’s growing tech industry while meeting an increased demand for programs in robotics, cybersecurity, software design, and machine learning.

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.