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

  • California High School Completes Construction on New Makerspace Facility

    Lynbrook High School, part of the Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) in San Jose, Calif., recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Makerspace Building, according to a news release. The district partnered with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) for the building’s design and Blach Construction for building services.

  • Career Readiness Starts in Elementary School, and the Learning Environment Matters

    When educators talk about career readiness, the conversation often begins in high school. We discuss internships, industry credentials, dual-credit courses, career and technical education programs, and partnerships with employers.

  • Building Beyond Simulation: Creating Immersive Ecosystems for Healthcare Education

    Health sciences education is one of the fastest-growing facility types in colleges and universities. The demand for medical, nursing, and allied health professionals is driving the creation and renovation of medical simulation training facilities that provide students with real-world experience through advanced simulation-based learning.