Global integrated design firm Stantec was selected to provide architectural design services for the Franklin Science Center renovations at Shippensburg University. The aging science building is home to the school’s biology, chemistry, health sciences, physics, and psychology departments and supports more than 4,000 student visits each week.

Constructed in 1970, the Franklin Science Center was partially renovated in 2002 with improvements to HVAC and classroom finishes. The interior of this aging 125,00-square-foot building is dated and inconsistent with contemporary pedagogy.

Embracing a new generation of learners By creating an environment of learning and community, the design will support the university’s existing STEM programming, while also having the flexibility to meet emerging STEM initiatives using state-of-the-art technologies, to enable use of contemporary pedagogies within allotted resourcing levels.

The updated science center will span 125,000 square feet of technology-enabled classrooms, lecture halls, faculty offices, testing facilities, a planetarium, a roof top observatory, a vivarium, and a greenhouse. Teaching and research laboratories will also be included with “jump” spaces adjacent to the research labs, allowing instructors to provide oversight to students in multiple labs. Labs will offer transparency where possible to put science on display, drawing onlookers and allowing them to become part of the learning process.

Bringing energy savings Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, the new science building will incorporate energy efficient technologies, building-energy modeling, and daylighting. The project will follow LEED standards and be designed as a high-performance building to achieve a 10 percent reduction in energy consumption.

“Shippensburg University offers an array of science programs and needed an updated space to support those students and faculty. Our design will modernize this central building on campus and embrace exciting research and learning opportunities under one roof,” said Alex Wing, principal for Stantec. “We value the engagement from the school and share their understanding of the difference a dynamic, state-of-the-art learning environment can make in a student’s education.”

Creating spaces for science education Stantec has progressively helped clients across North America respond to evolving academic needs in support of science education. Recent projects include: Lebanon Valley College Health Professions Pavilion; British Columbia Institute of Technology Health Sciences Centre; Texas Woman’s University – Science Research Commons; Lethbridge University Science Commons (with KPMB Architects); Yale University Science Building (with Pelli Clarke & Partners); and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Health Science Building.

Learn more about Stantec’s science & technology expertise HERE

About Stantec Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.

We care about the communities we serve—because they're our communities too. This allows us to assess what's needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what's never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success.

We're designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

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