MTSU Science Building
The Challenge
Middle Tennessee State University’s (MTSU) science facility was old and outdated, with no room to accommodate student growth. The university wanted a new building that provided the best learning experience possible and served as an aesthetic campus showpiece.
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Client
Middle Tennessee State University
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Location
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
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Size
250,000+ square feet
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Distinguishing Features
- Four research labs for organismal biology and interdisciplinary vivarium
- Three research labs for synthetic chemistry and nuclear magnetic resonance
- Two-tiered discussion classrooms to encourage group discussion
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Awards
- LEED Silver
The Design Solution
The new, three-story building has more than 250,000 square feet of teaching, faculty, and student research laboratories and collaborative learning spaces. The space was designed with intentional attributes relative to teaching, including discovery-based group-learning environments for informal discussion and collaboration. Classroom styles range from active-learning, flat-floor classrooms to tiered classrooms and suites.
The glass-encased Science Commons area with its wood “ribbon” ceiling acts as a nod to MTSU’s proclaimed Science Corridor of Innovation — serving as the central organizing element of the facility. Public spaces and offices were intentionally designed to encourage interaction between students and faculty.
The building itself sits on the edge of campus, connecting a public thoroughfare and the well-established quadrangle.
TMP designed the Science Building as part of a joint venture with Hastings Architecture Associates and EYP.
SEE MORE: MTSU Davis Science Building and Wiser-Patten Hall Renovation
Project Images
The Design Impact
Students studying scientific disciplines at MTSU now have an updated, innovative facility that supports learning and interaction. The building is also a stunning structure on MTSU’s campus.
SEE MORE: MTSU Student Union
