Chapman University Constructing Center for Science & Technology

ORANGE, Calif. — Construction broke ground in late April on the 140,000-square-foot Center for Science and Technology at Chapman University in Orange. The $130 million home to the Schmid College of Science and Technology was designed by Los Angeles-based AC Martin Partners Inc., and is being constructed by Pasadena, Calif.-based C.W. Driver Companies.

“We have seen an increased demand for modernized science facilities in higher education, and because of our expertise in this field, we have been able to provide multiple institutions with the technologically advanced buildings needed to equip the next generation of science and technology professionals,” said C.W. Driver’s Senior Vice President Mike Byrne, LEED AP, in a statement. “Understanding Chapman’s desire for growth and development in this arena as well, we are thrilled to partner with the university and AC Martin Partners again to produce a facility to meet the need.”

The facility consists of structural steel with a combination of brick, metal panel and curtain wall skin. Its flexible design is meant to promote learning and growth, and it will primarily feature teaching and research labs. The three-story building will also include faculty and graduate student offices, an 800-seat rooftop area offering views the existing football field and a 145,000-square-foot subterranean parking structure.

During the preconstruction phase, C.W. Driver used BIM modeling to electronically construct the building in order to identify potential challenges and create solutions as the team works against a zero-lot line. C.W. Driver also created a logistics plan to help moderate loud noise and fume emissions during the construction process and minimize any other potential disruptions to the campus while the university is in session as well as to appease residents in the surrounding neighborhood.

The new facility’s design includes an entry plaza to help accommodate the anticipated pedestrian traffic flow from campus. Occupants will enter the building via a two-story space that features a wide corridor lined with floor-to-ceiling glass before moving to the heart of the building, which will consist of several gathering spaces, according to the AC Martin Partners website. On the second floor, an outdoor terrace and amphitheater will give students and faculty the option to collaborate outdoors. Similarly, the third floor will also feature terraces and roof gardens along the building’s eastern face.

“The Center for Science and Technology will be a remarkable fulfillment of Chapman’s commitment to enhancing science education and serving the needs of our communities,” said Chapman University President Jim Doti in a statement. “When complete, the new Center for Science and Technology will significantly add to our program and elevate the college to a new level, placing Chapman among an elite group of teaching and research universities — both nationally and internationally.”

The project is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2018. It will be the largest and most expensive facility that Chapman University has ever developed, according to the university website. The university intends for the new facility to help elevate its Schmid College of Science and Technology to a new class of research institution. Major research universities making similar investments have reported immediate gains that include increased opportunities with government and non-government research organizations, corporate partners, student and faculty recruitment, and federal funding.