Page 26 - spaces4learning, Fall 2020

EDUCATION DESIGN SHOWCASE • HIGHER ED
PROJECT OF DISTINCTION
THE ACHATZ HALL OF SCIENCE AND JOHN
AND TONI MURRAY RESEARCH CENTER
THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS FORT WAYNE, IN
ARCHITECT
BHDP Architecture
KELLY GARDNER 614-486-1960
PROJECT INFORMATION
CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR
Rich Bienz, VP of Fin. & Ops.
COMPLETION DATE
2019
GROSS AREA
73,500 sq. ft.
AREA PER STUDEN
61.25 sq. ft.
SITE SIZE
2.5 acres
CURRENT ENROLLMENT
3,778
CAPACITY
1,200
COST PER STUDENT
$15,583.33
COST PER SQ. FT.
$254
TOTAL COST
$18,700,000
20 FALL 2020
THE ACHATZ HALL OF
Science and John and Toni Murray Research Center was envisioned to be a modern, adaptable, sustainable, and collaborative science learning center for the University of St. Francis campus. The complex features new and fully renovated teaching laboratories, research laboratories, and classrooms to support the Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Environmental Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Math, and Computer Science majors.
A two-story atrium with a large feature stair highlights views of the scenic lake and surround- ing landscape at the heart of the campus. The atrium’s large glass façade showcases the stu- dent activities inside and creates a campus beacon.
One of the unique design drivers for this project was “Distinctively Franciscan.” BHDP salvaged stained glass windows from the existing cha- pel on campus and integrated them into a new window system on the upper floor overlook- ing a green roof. Additionally, Franciscan inscriptions were inlayed in the wooden feature stair, and a variety of built-in displays feature student work and celebrate the Sisters’ contributions to science.