University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Biology and Chemistry Academic Building

This new building emphasizes the university’s commitment to science education and research and serves as a ceremonial arrival point. It’s the first freestanding academic facility built on the campus since 1971.

The building provides unique space for the Chemistry Department, relocating it from the Science Building, and creates new space for multiple UWSP Biology Department learning clusters.

To encourage equipment sharing and collaboration among student researchers, the design places research, instructional and prep spaces in close proximity. Standardized classrooms with movable furniture and flexible instructional/research labs allow spaces to be easily reconfigured.

A glass-walled tropical conservatory puts science on display, highlighting the university’s robust botany program. At night this architectural focal point becomes a lantern that brightens the campus and draws people toward the building.

Academic spaces include two 100-person lecture halls and three 55-seat classrooms. A variety of collaboration spaces encourage interaction between faculty and students.

In support of the university’s vision of environmental stewardship, sustainable design strategies include optimized daylighting, a rooftop garden, and highly efficient mechanical and electrical systems.

HOK collaborated on the design with Wisconsin-based Potter Lawson.