Middle Tennessee State University Readies for New Science Building

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Now under construction, Middle Tennessee State University’s (MTSU) science building will open in January 2015 to support a student population that has quadrupled since the construction of their existing science facility.

With just 75,000 square feet of combined space, the current Wiser-Patten Science Hall and Davis Science Building, built in 1932 and 1967 respectively, were not designed to accommodate the school’s growth and cannot accommodate the increased space required for MTSU’s needs. The student population has grown from 6,779 students in 1968 to more than 25,000 students today.

At 250,00 square feet, the new science building will be equipped to instruct the general education subjects of biology and chemistry as well as more distinct scientific subjects such as aerospace, agriscience, engineering technology, nursing, physics and astronomy among others. Approximately 80 percent of MTSU students will utilize the building and take at least one class in the facility for their major or general education.

The design of the building employs a heavy use of glass and natural daylight to promote a visible and accessible space for students and staff.

“The building is divided into three ‘bars’ that create a c-shaped footprint that allows for a courtyard space which give views from faculty offices, write up areas and student lounge areas,” said Lyn Crabtree, project manager at Hastings Architecture Associates. “Extensive use of glazing introduces natural light deep into the laboratory spaces, write up areas and faculty offices.”

The $147 million project was designed by a joint partnership between Thomas Miller & Partners of Brentwood, Tenn. and Nashville-based Hastings Architecture Associates, while New York-based Turner Construction Company is heading construction.

According to Crabtree, the most visually striking element of the design is the three-story glass lobby atrium, which further promotes light and student connectivity in the science subjects.

“The atrium includes a molecular motif terrazzo floor pattern, a monumental staircase, an undulating wood slat ceiling, and a second-floor multipurpose gathering space with an outdoor plaza,” she said. “The lobby was designed to promote circulation and interaction between the biology and chemistry students.”

To promote a 21st century education, the school is seeking pedagogical design attributes recognized as Project Kaleidoscope Initiatives, which include discovery-based, group learning environments and informal learning spaces.

A more social, connected and relaxed environment will welcome students to experience their contemporary education in a modern facility.

“Write-up areas are located directly across the hall from the research labs with visual connection through glass walls, allowing students and faculty to work together in either a lab setting or a more relaxed write up lounge area,” Crabtree said.

The building is aiming for LEED certification by way of reduced water use, the diversion of potential landfill waste by 75 percent, energy cost savings, a 50 percent reduction of potable water usage for irrigation and no increase in storm water runoff.

The project has gone through its fair share of challenges, Crabtree said, as a slumping economy caused major delays.

“The design was completed in the spring of 2008 just as the economy was slumping, as a result the state decided to put the project on hold until the spring of 2012,” Crabtree said. “During that down time more than half of the faculty changed as well as scientific equipment evolved. The design team worked closely with the school to update the once completed construction documents to incorporate this new equipment and technology.”

When students first enter the building early next year, Crabtree hopes MTSU students will have refined vision of an academic facility as well as the mission of the college’s scientific accomplishments.

“The students should feel like that are in a open, modern and scientifically accessible building,” Crabtree said. “Corridor windows make the research labs visible to students walking to their teaching lab classes with the goal of giving even non-science majors a view into MTSU’s cutting-edge scientific research.”