To transform St. Norbert College’s 100,000-sq-ft, 50-year-old science center into a state-of-the-art research and learning facility for the 21st century, all mechanical and electrical systems were completely replaced, the building shell was renovated to add daylighting and two wings totaling 60,000 sq ft were added.
The updated design helps break down barriers between professors, students and scientific disciplines and promotes learning by combining lectures and labs to support student activity, interaction and teamwork.
The construction team had to keep the facility active and occupied throughout construction while updating the entire building envelope. Floor-by-floor phasing would have been easiest for construction, but a vertical solution was chosen instead to allow for vertical glazing patterns; maintaining existing building systems during construction; and building access and safety of the students, project team members say.