Davidson Mathematics and Science Center
University of Nevada Reno, Nevada
The Davidson Mathematics and Science Center is the new centerpiece of the College of Science on the University of Nevada, Reno Campus and provides an integrated and centralized 21st century environment for learning and research. Specifically, it has the following features:
- The 464-seat Auditorium features a "walk-up, walk-out" stage that encourages lecturers to step down and interact with the audience whenever possible; stage area features three screens with one utilizing rear projection.
- 27 modern laboratories, each with the capacity for 20 to 24 students, and four large classrooms, each with the capacity for 75 students;
- Wireless Internet access throughout the entire facility;
- Enhanced environment controls and space for culture preparation in eight biological science laboratories;
- Increased glass hood space for improved observation and greater control over experiments in the seven general chemistry laboratories;
- Student meeting areas with whiteboards for students and teaching assistants to meet and interact with each other outside classrooms and laboratories;
- Electronic interfaces, information technology platforms, projectors, modern audio visual and presentation equipment, whiteboards and pull-down screens in every laboratory and classroom;
- A 50-seat computational classroom-the largest on campus-to teach students the use of software for data analysis and visualization;
- Space for the dean of the College of Science suite and the Department of Mathematics in the administrative wing of the facility.
Because 80 percent of all UNR students will take core curriculum classes in the new building, particular attention was paid to creating science-centered spaces that foster exchange and collaboration between students from every discipline on campus. The ELEMENTS Café on the first floor supports the many spaces available for student collaboration throughout the building.
The building imagery blends modern laboratory features with details and materials complimentary to the traditional brick buildings common on campus. Transparent vertical circulation was emphasized on the exterior as opportunities for views as well as student and faculty safety. The building occupies the site of the former greenhouse facility and was quite challenging given the design solutions required to solve the existing buildings adjacent grades, delivery points, emergency vehicle circulation, and the flood water prevention requirements.
Project Summary
Project Size: 104,000 SF
Project Cost: $48,750,000
Completed: July 2010
Schematic Design Consultant:
Dekker/Perich/Sabatini
Owner: State of Nevada Public Works Board
Contractor: The Penta Group, Reno
