Case Western Reserve University Selects Architect for New Science Building

Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, recently announced that it has selected a designer for a new construction project on campus, according to a news release. The university chose interdisciplinary design firm HGA to design its Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building (ISEB), which comes with a price tag of $300 million and is the university’s largest construction project in decades.

The building will stand in the Case Quad, which plays home to the university’s science and engineering buildings, and its northern side will serve as an entrance to the campus for the community at large. Design features include a windowed façade and landscaped entryway. The ultimate goal of the project is to create an environment that will attract researchers, stimulate economic growth, and foster collaboration and breakthroughs across different academic disciplines.

“A well-designed research building brings enough collaborative space that encourages interaction without undermining the space required for technical laboratories,” said Chris Martin, HGA principal and Science & Technology Market Sector Leader. “This new building has a distinct goal—to provide interdisciplinary teams a space that will allow them to join forces. Partnering with established and growing industries on research initiatives could lead to solutions for the world’s challenges.”

Local news reports that the new facility will be designed to create a “seamless transition from university to community.” It will provide research space for sciences including chemistry, biology, and physics, and engineering fields including biomedical, computer, and mechanical.

“We have some really terrifically talented researchers, but they are working in spaces that are 50, 60, or 70 years old, and just not conducive to the modern research that we need to be doing,” said Case Western Reserve University President Eric Kaler.

The news release reports that once complete, the ISEB will play home to research initiatives including the development of industrial-scale batteries for electrical grids; new green processes for sustainability in manufacturing; studying pathogens in HVAC systems; and developing new types of prosthetics, among others.

Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2024 and finish in 2026.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Rhode Island Boarding School Completes Student Dorm Renovations

    St. George’s School in Middletown, R.I., recently announced the completion of a $26-million renovation project on Arden-Diman-Eccles Dormitory, according to a news release. The school partnered with Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA) on the new space, which places a new focus on collaborative community spaces open to both boarding students and day students.

  • California K–12 District Finishes Renovations on Multi-Sport Stadium

    The Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) in Alameda, Calif., recently announced the completion of a renovation project on the Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School stadium, according to a news release. The district partnered with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Bothman Construction on the facility, and funding came from Bond Measure B.

  • University of Arizona Approves New Residence Hall

    The Arizona Board of Regents recently approved plans for a new residence hall at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., according to a news release. The new facility is scheduled to open in fall 2028 and have the capacity for more than 1,200 students, enforcing a new university expectation that all first-year students live on campus.

  • Illinois District Boosts Security at High-School Stadium

    Richmond-Burton Community High School in Richmond, Ill., recently announced that it has completed the redesigned entrance to its high school stadium with a new focus on school security and community engagement, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects and Engineers on the project as part of District #157’s year-long facilities master plan.