CSU, Chico to Break Ground on New Physical Science Building

This week saw the unveiling of the first images of the new Physical Sciences Building at California State University, Chico (CSU, Chico), in Chico CA. The groundbreaking for the new facility, which will include new teaching facilities and equipment, will take place in the fall of 2018. The new building will help emphasize STEM disciplines, and also encourage collaboration between science and engineering students, and the campus community.

CSU Chico

Designed by San Francisco firm SmithGroupJJR and slated to open in Fall 2020, the building will house classrooms and labs for a host of science disciplines including chemistry, physics, and geology. The building also emphasizes spaces for students to come together in indoor and outdoor settings, and use the natural environment campus as a tool to enhance classroom and in-the-field science education. There will also be a hands-on lab space for K-12 students to come learn and work with CSU, Chico Students across a range of science disciplines. 

The new building is being envisioned with sustainability as a key component, with the design team being mindful of energy and water use required by science laboratories, and designing the facility in a way that will maximize overall energy savings. The building is being funded by system-wide Revenue Bond Program along with campus designated reserves.

Featured

  • UPenn Announces Completion of New Veterinary Education Facility

    The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Penn., recently finished construction on an 11,800-square-foot veterinary education building, according to a news release. The Gail P. Riepe Center for Advanced Veterinary Education is the first dedicated classroom facility at the New Bolton Center, a large-animal hospital and campus about 35 miles west of the campus proper.

  • Montclair State University Starts Construction on $120M STEM Building

    Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J., recently broke ground on a new $120-million Interdisciplinary Science Building, according to university news. The university partnered with HoK Architects for the project’s design, and it’s scheduled to open in time for the 2028–29 academic year.

  • Montclair State University Debuts New VR Facility

    Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J., recently announced the completion of a new virtual reality learning facility developed in partnership with Dreamscape Learn, according to a news release. The 2,450-square-foot lab space is inside the College of Communication and Media building and will serve students pursuing careers in digital media, virtual reality, and content creation.

  • Tomball ISD Opens New Tomball West High School

    Tomball Independent School District in Tomball, Texas, recently celebrated the official opening of Tomball West High School, the district's third comprehensive high school, with a community ribbon-cutting ceremony, according to a district news release.