2024-05-20T14:42:11-04:00 https://archinect.com/news/article/106418394/santiago-calatrava-designed-florida-polytechnic-university-prepares-for-grand-opening Justine Testado 2014-08-12T19:18:00-04:00 >2018-01-30T06:16:04-05:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/gj/gjzg51iuz6fh8qot.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>As the latest addition to Florida's State University System, the new Florida Polytechnic University&nbsp;will formally open to the public on August 16 in Lakeland, Florida and welcome its first students when classes begin on August 25.</p> <p>Spanish architect <a href="http://archinect.com/firms/cover/1636/santiago-calatrava" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Santiago Calatrava</a> designed the 170-acre campus and its main Innovation, Science, and Technology Building&nbsp;&mdash; which the firm proudly announces was finished on schedule and under the $60 million budget. The 200,000 sq.ft structure dons Calatrava's signature futuristic style and has already captured local attention, including appearing in the backdrop for a <a href="http://www.ispot.tv/ad/7gH7/2014-ram-1500-modern-marvel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chrysler Ram truck commercial</a> that aired earlier this year.</p> <p>Read on for more details about the IST Building, provided by the firm:</p> <p><img src="http://cdn.archinect.net/images/514x/hw/hw2tkazs0qk7vo2o.jpg"></p> <p>"Located on the north side of the central lake it is designed around, the exterior of the 200,000 sq. ft. building is made up of aluminum, aluminum cladding, concrete and glass. The interior is made of concrete flooring and columns, plaster, steel and glass. I...</p>