The energy efficient Science Building, constructed by McCarthy Building Companies of Atlanta, will provide the school with ample new high-tech instruction and research space critical for the Natural Sciences Department, as the university has grown from 4,675 students in 2001 to more than 7,200 students today, according to a statement by project architect The S/L/A/M Collaborative Inc. (SLAM) of Atlanta. Thus far, university officials have been required to use waiting lists for lab courses due to the high demand from students and the low inventory of available lab classrooms.

With the addition of the new three-story Science Building, Clayton State can now offer 19 instructional labs, nine research labs, two new 64-seat classrooms and two new 36-seat classrooms. The building also houses offices and support spaces, a vivarium, mechanical penthouse, mechanical basement and a loading dock. It is designed as a modern home for the sciences complete with stacked biology and chemistry suites which integrate research, prep and teaching labs, according to SLAM.

Located near a small pond on the hilly campus, the new Science Building takes advantage of its natural setting, absorbing daylight from across the water via glazed areas in the public spaces. Sustainable initiatives include sun shading, daylight harvesting, and use of recycled materials and rainwater.

Reflective of its goal to promote scientific innovation and education, the Science Building was also designed to achieve Georgia Peach Green Building certification. This certification recognizes facilities owned or managed by the State of Georgia that optimize energy performance, increase the demand for local materials and furnishings, improve environmental quality, conserve energy, protect Georgia’s natural resources and reduce the burden on the state’s water supply, according to a statement by McCarthy.

“Engaging undergraduate students in research is an essential part of their preparation for careers in the natural sciences and health sciences,” said Dr. Tim Hynes, president of Clayton State University, in a statement. “The innovative laboratory teaching spaces in this building will expand our support of undergraduate research projects where faculty and students work side-by-side in the learning and exploration process. Providing these opportunities not only benefit those in our science majors, they also impact allied health students and every student on campus who takes a lab science course for their core requirements.”

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The university, located approximately 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta, hosted a ceremony to mark the construction milestone on Sept. 12. Along with members of the university community, representatives from the project’s construction firm, McCarthy Building Companies, and architect, S/L/A/M Collaborative Inc., both of Atlanta, gathered at the construction site to sign the final beam before it was positioned atop of the new, state-of-the-art facility.

Upon completion the Science Building will house a number of classrooms, teaching and research labs, offices and support spaces. Spanning three stories, it will also contain a vivarium, mechanical penthouse, mechanical basement and a loading dock.

“Engaging undergraduate students in research is an essential part of their preparation for careers in the natural sciences and health sciences. The innovative laboratory teaching spaces in this building will expand our support of undergraduate research projects where faculty and students work side-by-side in the learning and exploration process,” said Dr. Tim Hynes, president of Clayton State University, in a statement. “Providing these opportunities not only benefit those in our science majors, they also impact allied health students and every student on campus who takes a lab science course for their core requirements.”

Reflective of its goal to promote scientific innovation and education, the Science Building will also incorporate a number of energy efficient materials and systems, and was designed to achieve Georgia Peach Green Building certification. This certification recognizes facilities owned or managed by the State of Georgia that optimize energy performance, increase the demand for local materials and furnishings, improve environmental quality, conserve energy, protect Georgia’s natural resources and reduce the burden on the state’s water supply, according to a statement by McCarthy.

“This project provided McCarthy with the opportunity to truly collaborate with the university, architect and subcontractors to make this building happen,” Kevin Kuntz, McCarthy’s Southeast Division president, said in a statement. “We’re thrilled for CSU and proud to partner with them to help grow their campus.”

Construction began on the new Science Building in November 2013. Currently, the building is on track for a fall 2015 opening. Those interested in more information can follow the project’s progress via Twitter at @McCarthyCSU_NSB or on Instagram at McCarthyCSU_NSB.

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