New 110,200-sq.-ft. building puts science on display with large windows and exterior breezeway.

The Chico community will soon have a new resource at California State University (CSU), Chico as DPR broke ground on the new physical sciences building earlier this month. With an exterior breezeway and large windows, the physical sciences building will invite members of the community to engage in the sciences and will feature a hands-on laboratory for K-12 students, where children will be encouraged to experiment and learn using advanced facilities.

Designed in partnership with SmithGroup, the design-build project blends historic Chico state with contemporary architectural elements. It also provides new space for the College of Natural Sciences, which includes the chemistry, physics, geological science and science education departments.

“The building is designed to create a welcoming, warm environment that fosters student engagement and collaboration,” said director of Facilities Management and Services Mike Guzzi. “The exterior breezeway and large windows invite the campus and the community to engage in science by putting science on display.”

Scheduled for completion in Fall 2020, the 110,200-sq.-ft., four-story building will include:

• Active-learning classrooms allowing hands-on learning experiences
• Science education labs
• Graduate research studios
• A dean’s suite
• Faculty offices
• Administrative and support areas
• Prep rooms and storage areas

DPR worked closely with CSU’s Institute for Sustainable Development to identify and incorporate sustainable features that will help the project achieve LEED® Silver Certification. With a specially designed HVAC system, including chilled beams, displacement ventilation systems and an air monitoring system, the building will have optimized energy performance, while also providing health safety by monitoring air quality in lab classrooms, ensuring a safe working environment for students and staff.

Members of the campus and community gathered at the groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the advancement of CSU, Chico as a leader among the North State and 23-campus CSU system, an advancement that the $101 million development will help deliver.

“Our new building will promote collaboration among our students, faculty and staff, and this collaboration will occur in classrooms, labs and other spaces throughout the building,” said dean of the College of Natural Sciences David Hassenzahl. “The overall design will draw people to science and keep them engaged once they are there.”