The Laboratory Science Commons at Tennessee Tech University, conceived as the focal point of a newly envisioned campus quadrangle and a key element of the university’s recruitment strategy, is designed to celebrate and showcase science as an active, visible, and inspiring pursuit. At its core, the central Study Commons opens to a colonnade and plaza overlooking the quad, while interior features such as a portrait gallery honoring pioneering scientists, expansive murals filled with inspirational quotes, and one-of-a-kind commissioned art pieces reinforce the spirit of discovery. Transparency throughout circulation spaces places “science on display,” engaging passersby with views into laboratories and allowing scientific activity to become part of the building’s daily experience. Glass marker walls scattered throughout encourage collaboration, transforming equations into living art, while study areas, informal gathering spots, and interactive design elements position the Commons not only as a hub of learning but also as a dynamic teaching tool that embodies the role of science in shaping the future.
Projected Completion: 2021
Owner/Client: Tennessee Board of Regents | Tennessee Technological University
Project Location: Cookeville, Tennessee
Project Type: New Construction | Education
Building Area: 165,000 sq. ft.
