Major Construction to Begin in 2010 on Trinity University Center for the Sciences and Innovation

By Russell Guerrero ’83

December 2009 – The new year will bring major progress to the development and construction of new science and engineering facilities that will enhance teaching and learning in the departments of biology, chemistry, engineering science, psychology, and computer science.

David Ribble, professor and chair of biology, said the Trinity University Center for the Sciences and Innovation will do more than bring the research and teaching laboratories for biology and chemistry up to date. “The laboratories will be surrounded by glass walls so people can see what we do. It will open up the sciences to the entire campus by making what we do more visible and accessible to all.”

Professor Ribble added that the new facilities will promote the further development of interdisciplinary work between chemistry and biology. “It will force effective ‘collisions’ between faculty and students across the sciences – collisions that will lead to more interesting teaching and research,” he said.

Other major goals of the project will be to make the new facilities green by meeting strict LEED guidelines and to enhance safety in the labs.

Artist rendering of the new science facilities - west elevation.

Artist rendering of the new science facilities - east elevation.

Developed by the Boston firm of Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture and Engineering, PC (EYP) with assistance from a steering committee composed of Trinity faculty and staff members, the new facilities are currently proposed to be constructed in multiple phases with an estimated total project cost of $100 million.

Last summer, Chapman Auditorium was converted into a multi-use facility to replace the Science Lecture Hall, which has been shuttered, and a portion of Storch Memorial Building was renovated as the new home for the department of sociology and anthropology. In addition, a classroom was created in Parker Chapel.

In early June of this year, construction will begin on a 55,000 square foot science facility that will connect to Cowles Life Science Building. This new facility will include updated chemistry and biology labs and the creation of classrooms and other areas more conducive to interdisciplinary teaching and research. Scheduled for completion in December 2011, the building will meet rigorous LEED sustainability criteria and will include enhanced safety features.

Future work will include a complete renovation of the Cowles Building and demolition of the Moody Engineering Building with construction of a replacement facility. EYP architects say the project plans are the result of a “powerful vision from the Trinity faculty.”

© 2009 Trinity University