Center for Science and Mathematics
Watch Construction Progress
Live on the Web: Webcam 1 | Webcam 2
Photos: Construction Photo Galleries
Cal Poly's Center for Science and Mathematics construction project is now underway. The $119 million, 189,000-square-foot building was made possible by voter-approved state education construction bonds and $18 million in private donations to Cal Poly. View the photo galleries and video links below to watch progress on the construction project. Check back to see new photos as they are added. The new center is set to open in 2013. Read on for details, a project factsheet, sustainability strategies and building plans or download some fun facts and statistics (pdf).
Introduction
Located at the campus center to powerfully symbolize the central nature of science and mathematics in the University's polytechnic curriculum, the Center for Science and Mathematics will reflect the College's vision by providing an environment that inspires curiosity and encourages teamwork in the teaching and learning process. Creating a campus crossroads, pedestrian pathways from the residence halls, public transportation, the University Union, campus dining facilities, and the bookstore, will all lead to the Center for Science and Mathematics. The Center will exemplify flexibility, sustainability, and efficiency in its design.
Vision
The vision is about our students, supporting exemplary approaches to teaching and learning, fostering teamwork and community, and establishing a unifying in defining landmark for Cal Poly. The Center is essential to Cal Poly's ability to continue a leadership role in educating students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Consistent with our learn-by-doing philosophy, the Center for Science and Mathematics will transform the Cal Poly campus and the way science and mathematics are taught and learned.
Center
Located symbolically at the geographic center of the Cal Poly campus, the Center for Science and Mathematics will be Cal Poly's largest and most inviting building, a place of comfort, beauty, intrigue, and inspiration. The Center will gracefully landmark the northwest corner of Via Carta and Inner Perimeter.
Design
The Center for Science and Mathematics consists of a six-level central structure devoted to offices and student spaces with wings on either side that house classrooms and laboratories. The central entrance on Level Two connects to Centennial Park on the south side and to a major pedestrian artery on the north. These entrances access offices and conference rooms for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physics, and Earth and Soil Science.
Stacked above in Levels Three through Six are faculty offices and generous student study spaces. In addition to this main entrance, there are two additional entrances, Level One on the west end for the University classrooms and Level Three on the east end. The Center replaces the north wings of the current science building affectionately known as the Spider Building and is at the center of the Cal Poly campus.
Crossroads
The Center for Science and Mathematics, together with the planned Centennial Park, will be a place of extraordinary inspiration and beauty. They are destined to become Cal Poly's unifying and defining campus landmarks. Just as science and mathematics is central to the polytechnic curriculum, pedestrian pathways from the residence halls, public transportation, the University Union, campus dining facilities, and the bookstore, all lead to the Center for Science and Mathematics where they branch symbolically into corridors leading to the professional colleges.
Fact Sheet
Cal Poly's Center for Science and Mathematics will house:
- Instructional and research facilities for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physics and Soil Science
- University classrooms
- The Environmental Biotechnology Institute
- The Western Coatings Technology Center
- Student spaces
- Faculty offices and administrative spaces
Building Information
- Total Assignable Area: 110,000 Square Feet
- Total Gross Area: 187,000 Square Feet
- Building Efficiency: 59%
Allocation of Occupied Space
- University Classrooms - 7.3%
- Studio Classrooms, Instructional Labs / Technical Space:
- Chemistry and Biochemistry - 33.8%
- Physics - 20.9%
- Soil Science - 4.5%
- Student/Faculty Research Space - 7.7%
- Environmental Biotechnology Institute - 2.9%
- Western Coatings Technology Center - 2.7%
- Student Interaction Space - 9.6%
- Faculty Offices / Administrative Support - 10.6%
Sustainability Strategies
The Center for Science and Mathematics will exemplify flexibility, sustainability, and efficiency in its design. Cal Poly students will be inspired by the respect for the environment, energy, and natural resources demonstrated in the design and construction of the Center and will be able to monitor resource utilization of the building through visual real-time displays.
Forest Stewardship Council Certified Wood
The laboratory casework is certified by FSC. This ensures the sustainable logging of trees and use of plantation grown wood.
Recycled Content
Recycled steel is used for structural framing. Fly ash is used in the concrete.
Water-Use Reduction
High efficiency plumbing fixtures and waterless urinals conserve water, and stormwater for non-potable applications is re-used.
Natural Ventilation
Operable windows improve the occupant comfort, and radiant floors cool and heat office space efficiently without unnecessary fan power.
Laboratory Active Monitoring System
Laboratories are actively monitored for pollutants to maximize both safety and efficiency. Chilled beams provide efficient wet laboratory cooling.
Building Monitoring System
Data on the various uses of the building is collected and displayed in an artistic manner through flat screen monitors.
Green Roofs
Intensive and extensive roof gardens mitigate the building temperature, increase the lifespan of the roof, create new wildlife habitat, and mitigate stormwater runoff volume.
Rainwater Harvesting
Intensive and extensive roof gardens mitigate the building temperature, increase the lifespan of the roof, create new wildlife habitat, and mitigate stormwater runoff volume.
Natural Daylighting and Views
The local micro-climate and views are honored by using filtered direct sunlighting in public spaces with strategic glass placement.
Use of Regional Materials
The stone used is from local quarries, and the concrete contains local aggregates.
Native Low-Water Landscaping
A palette of local plant species minimizes the need for maintenance, irrigation, or mowing, and creates a natural habitat for local wildlife.
Sustainability features with red icons do not have a funding source at this time, and are contingent on the kindness and generosity of our donors.
Floor Plans
The Center for Science and Mathematics consists of six levels. The central portion will contain offices and student spaces, and the East and West wings will house classrooms and laboratories.
Level 6
Level 6 floorplan shows classrooms in the west wing; offices and circulation in the center; and laboratories with some offices in the east wing
Level 5
Level 5 floorplan shows classrooms in the west wing; offices and circulation in the center; and laboratories with some offices in the east wing
Level 4
Level 4 floorplan shows mostly laboratories, with classrooms and offices in the west wing; offices and circulation in the center; and laboratories with some classrooms and offices in the east wing
Level 3
Level 3 floorplan shows mostly laboratories, with classrooms and offices in the west wing; offices and circulation in the center; and laboratories with some classrooms and offices in the east wing
Level 2
Level 2 floorplan shows mostly laboratories, with classrooms and offices in the west wing; offices and circulation in the center; and laboratories with some classrooms and offices in the east wing
Level 1
Level 1 floorplan shows large classrooms and studio space in the west wing; the building center and east wing begin on Level 2 above.
