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 Oregon State University College of Engineering is embarking on a transformative journey to optimize space, enhance research capacity, and create a cohesive environment for students and faculty. Through strategic planning, innovative redesigns, and an emphasis on community engagement, OSU is redefining how legacy buildings can serve modern needs without massive new construction. A major focus of the 10-year plan centers on the university’s “engineering triangle,” a cluster of historic buildings dedicated to engineering research and education. These century-old buildings, while rich in history, are in desperate need of modernization to support the university’s cutting-edge research. While previous years have seen new construction, the next phase will focus on preserving and enhancing existing spaces.

Michigan State University is planning to construct the Engineering and Digital Innovation (EDI) Center in East Lansing. Supporting increased enrollment for undergraduate and postgraduate cohorts, the $340 million facility will house the colleges of engineering, natural science, business, social science, arts and letters, and communication arts and sciences.

The University of California, Berkeley broke ground in November of 2025 on the Bakar Labs for Energy + Materials to establish beacon for excellence in entrepreneurship. The 146,000-sf facility will provide world-class wet laboratories and collaboration space for research initiatives and up to 75 early-stage companies. Designed by Gensler to ensure flexibility and adaptability through a reconfigurable framework, the five-story structure will house 3D printing studios, offices, and meeting and conference rooms.

The University of Texas at Austin is constructing the Autry C. Stephens Engineering Discovery Building as a vibrant new home for the departments of Chemical Engineering and Petrol & Geosystems Engineering. Designed by CO Architects and BGK Architects, the $316 million facility will further the Cockrell School of Engineering’s mission to educate future leaders, promote innovation, and foster industry partnerships within the energy sector.

Arizona State University opened the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building 12 (ISTB 12) in October of 2025, creating a vibrant gateway to the Polytechnic campus in Mesa. Designed by SmithGroup, the 173,194-gsf facility houses the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering’s new School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks. The three-story development will accelerate work in additive manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence, cyber manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, and clean energy.

Amkor Technology broke ground in October of 2025 on an advanced packaging and testing campus for semiconductors in Peoria, Ariz. Strategically located in the state’s growing innovation corridor, the two-phase project will offer over 750,000 sf of cleanroom space upon completion. The sophisticated hub will feature smart factory technologies and scalable production lines to meet evolving market demands for artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing, as well as mobile communications and automotive applications. 

The University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering opened the Student Success & Research Building in September of 2025 in Kentucky. The 114,000-sf facility was designed by SmithGroup and Luckett & Farley to offer a maker space, modern classrooms, laboratories, conference rooms, and teamwork areas.

Rice Real Estate Company and Lincoln Property Company are planning to construct a landmark research facility in the Ion District in Houston. Designed by HKS, the Arc will connect academic excellence with industry, institutional, and entrepreneurial partners to accelerate the transition of science and technology discoveries to the marketplace.

California State University, Northridge opened the Autodesk Technology Engagement Center in August of 2025 in Los Angeles. Designed by AC Martin with Research Facilities Design (RFD) as laboratory consultant, the $62.7 million facility accommodates programs for the College of Engineering and Computer Science, including six flexible discovery environments.

Nokia unveiled a state-of-the-art campus for R&D and manufacturing in September of 2025 in Oulu, Finland. Spanning 592,015 sf, this dynamic innovation hub will design, test, and deliver 5G and 6G radio networks built for artificial intelligence. The bipartite project comprises eight floors of flexible office space and a two-story factory for industrial production. Laboratories equipped with advanced technologies provide both simulated and real-world field verification environments to accelerate network evolution.

The Milwaukee School of Engineering broke ground on the Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center in July of 2025 to catalyze interdisciplinary education and collaboration. Designed by RAMLOW/STEIN Architecture + Interiors, the $75.5 million facility will offer flexible labs, modern classrooms, robotics workshops, an outdoor sustainability lab, and public spaces for interactive learning. 

Savannah River National Laboratory opened the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC) in August of 2025 on the campus of the University of South Carolina Aiken. Designed by STOA Architects and Page (now part of Stantec), the $66 million facility will enable the Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management to engage in collaborative discovery with academic institutions, industry partners, and government agencies at the city, state, and federal level. 

Delta Electronics is planning to construct a regional headquarters in Hoofdorp in the Netherlands as part of a strategic expansion into Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Located at the Park 20|20 business campus, the €42.26m ($48.72m) building will add 100,100 sf of modern office space for over 350 employees engaged in R&D, business development, and other departments.

Fermi America is partnering with the Texas Tech University System to establish the Advanced Energy and Intelligence Campus in Amarillo. Also known as the HyperGrid, the visionary development will provide crucial infrastructure to meet the growing demands of artificial intelligence, data innovation, and sustainable energy. The 5,769-acre site will accommodate 18 million sf of data center space and will eventually generate up to 11 gigawatts of IT capacity.