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

  • Zurn Elkay Releases 2025 Sustainability Report

    Zurn Elkay Water Solutions recently announced the release of its annual sustainability report, according to a news release. The 2025 report discusses the organization’s efforts to maintain good environmental stewardship and the solutions provided in helping customers meet sustainability goals.

  • Beyond Four Walls

    Operable glass walls provide a dynamic solution for educational spaces. They align with today’s evolving teaching methods and adapt to the needs of modern learners. Beyond the functional versatility, movable glass walls offer clean, contemporary aesthetics, slim and unobtrusive profiles, and versatile configurations that cater to the evolving needs of students and educators alike.

  • Kimball International Releases Curated Design Support Program

    Commercial furnishings company Kimball International recently announced the launch of a new end-to-end design support program, DesignSuite. According to a news release, its goal is to guide architecture & design professionals and dealer partners through the process from vision to specification.

  • Spaces4Learning Trends & Predictions for Educational Facilities in 2026: Part II

    As education leaders look toward 2026, the design of K–12 and higher education facilities is being reshaped by powerful, converging forces. Survey respondents point to the rapid growth of Career and Technical Education, deeper alignment with workforce and industry needs, and the accelerating influence of AI and emerging technologies.