New Haven, CT

A vibrant new campus quad blends science, sustainability, and gathering spaces through thoughtful landscape design that enhances the STEM learning environment of the laboratory building.

The new Academic Science & Laboratory Building expands and enhances the STEM curricula at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). With the adjacent existing science buildings, the L-shaped building creates a new Science Quadrangle on the SCSU campus for students, staff, and visitors alike to explore and enjoy. Design considerations include overall site layout, vehicular and pedestrian circulation, future campus shuttle route through the site, building arrival and entry plazas, and fit within the surrounding campus context.

The design of the Science Quadrangle includes rock and plant display gardens, and an outdoor sitting terrace with a water fountain feature supplied by roof water through decorative rainwater leaders. Sustainable initiatives include a storm water harvesting system to supplement site irrigation, and the use of native plant materials and low reflective pavement materials. These site improvements and other building interventions contributed to the project’s LEED Gold certification.