Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

University of Pennsylvania Releases Design of Future Physical Sciences Building

  • By Matt Jones
  • 07/09/26

Key Takeaways

  • Penn has unveiled plans for a new 350,000-square-foot Physical Sciences Building that will combine the university's Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, and Earth and Environmental Science departments in a shared interdisciplinary research hub.
  • The project includes 265,000 square feet of new construction and 85,000 square feet of renovations, featuring research and teaching labs, a science library, classrooms, a Maker space, a 120-seat auditorium, and collaborative gathering spaces.
  • Designed for long-term flexibility and sustainability, the LEED Silver-targeted facility will support emerging research in areas such as quantum science, computational modeling, and climate science, with construction scheduled from 2028 to 2031.

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) in Philadelphia, Penn., recently released renderings of an upcoming 350,000-square-foot Physical Sciences Building, according to news release. The facility was designed by CO Architects and will unite the university’s departments of Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, and Earth and Environmental Science.

The project consists of 265,000 square feet of new construction, as well as a further 85,000 square feet of renovations and modernizations to existing space. Its goal is to promote academic advancement, research opportunities, and interdisciplinary collaboration among programs.

“CO’s design vision prioritizes openness, daylight, and connectivity to inspire the next generation of scientists,” said CO Architects Principal James Simeo, FAIA. “By integrating sustainable systems, biophilic elements, and adaptable and flexible laboratory planning modules, the building will support frontier research while creating an inviting environment that encourages collaboration across disciplines and with the broader campus community.”

The building’s amenities include teaching and research labs, a science library, general-assignment interactive classrooms, theoretical research centers, a Maker space, a 120-seat auditorium, faculty and administrative offices, and a series of open, communal spaces, according to the news release.

From a design perspective, the building is aiming for a LEED Silver certification via energy-efficient mechanical systems and upgraded environmental control systems. Research space was designed to be flexible and future-ready to accommodate advances in fields like quantum research, computational modeling, and climate science. Community and collaboration spaces will include video monitors, whiteboards, blackboards, and an informal environment to encourage casual intellectual conversations.

“We are delivering a building that meets the rigorous demands of modern physical sciences while it elevates the student and faculty experience for decades to come,” said Mark Kocent, AIA, University Architect at Penn. “It will be a welcoming, vibrant epicenter for discovery.”

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2028 and finish in 2031. The university also partnered with EwingCole as the project’s local architect.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Back-to-School Playground Safety: 7 Common Hazards to Look for After Summer Break

    As summer break comes to an end, school administrators have plenty to prepare before students return. While classrooms, hallways and common areas often receive attention during all the back-to-school preparations, the playground should not be overlooked. Months of weather exposure, storms, and regular wear can leave behind hazards that may not be immediately noticeable.

  • UNH Marks Construction Milestone on Oceanic Exploration Facility

    The University of New Hampshire in Durham, N.H., recently celebrated a major construction milestone with a beam-signing ceremony for the new Center of Excellence for Operational Ocean and Great Lakes Mapping, according to a news release. The facility’s ultimate goal is to support research, training and technical assistance in ocean mapping.

  • University of Rochester to Break Ground on New Student Life Center

    The University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y., recently began construction on a new Student Life building, according to a news release. The first floor will contain campus-wide gathering, program, and rehearsal space; the second floor will play home to the Greenbaum Center for Jewish Life.

  • Minnesota District Converts Middle School into Community Hub

    White Bear Lake Area Schools in White Bear Lake, Minn., recently announced the end of a major renovation project that converted a former middle school into a new centralized district and community hub, according to a news release.