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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].

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