University of Vermont New STEM Building Complex

University of Vermont New STEM Building Complex

“The teaching laboratories meet our criteria for being a comfortable, interactive environment for team-based learning. Building on revision of our curriculum to include problem-solving sessions…we use tables rather than benches, so students can work together to solve problems and work in teams on laboratory experiments.  We have seen substantial increases in the average GPA and in student retention.  There has been a noticeable change in students’ attitudes during laboratory experiments -in particular, they take more pride in their work. For faculty research, Ellenzweig helped us design large ‘open lab concept’ rooms that are very flexible.

 

I would say that the largest change in the research and teaching environments, overall, is that they are substantially more collaborative and interactive. Right away, everyone in the department noted that the new building made the department feel like one large team instead of many small kingdoms.”

- Christopher Landry, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont

University of Vermont New STEM Building Complex

Burlington, Vermont | 194,000 gsf new; 24,000 gsf renovations | $85 million | 2019 | LEED Silver Certified

Ellenzweig provided programming, lab planning, and architectural design of a new STEM Building Complex that serves the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. The four-phase project consisted of a new 100,000 gsf laboratory building, demolition of two outmoded science and classroom buildings, a new 85,000 gsf classroom building, and renovations to Votey Hall of Engineering. The complex provides new, fully integrated research and teaching laboratories, lab support, classrooms, meeting and student spaces, and offices for Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Psychology. The new lab and classroom buildings connect via a glass link, and a new bridge connects Votey Hall’s third floor with the second floor of the laboratory wing, resulting in a STEM complex that integrates a variety of science and engineering disciplines in one central campus location.

 

Sited in the heart of the University’s historic campus, the new complex respectfully complements the traditional aesthetic of its neighbors. A new outdoor courtyard provides space for outdoor seating and gathering, as well as a terraced outdoor “classroom” benefiting from the gentle slope west of the courtyard.

 

The project is designed to achieve a minimum of LEED Silver certification.

 

Ellenzweig served as Design Architect and Lab Planner in a collaboration with Freeman French Freeman, Architect of Record.

University of Vermont New STEM Building Complex