Wittenberg University

The Kuss Center will house the university’s departments of biology, chemistry, physics, geology, mathematics and computer science. The building also houses programs in biochemistry, molecular biology, marine biology, health professions and environmental studies.

By enclosing the open space of the “L” shaped existing building, Holabird & Root incorporates the former exterior walls into the central open atrium that links the old and the new building components. The atrium design allows natural light and also lets visitors see what is happening on other floors, animating the atrium and presenting the tools and excitement of scientific investigation to building occupants.

Among the components of the new building:

• New cell- and microbiology labs and preparation areas;
• New molecular biology, physiology and neurobiology labs;
• Renovated introductory biology labs;
• New cell and microorganism culturing facilities;
• New environmental resource center and space for marine biology and additional field sciences;

• Several new shared computer labs;
• New organic chemistry, general chemistry labs and supporting math facilities;
• Three classrooms will be outfitted with state-of-the-art audiovisual and information technologies;

• A student “penthouse” lounge giving the complex a true nexus to promote community;
• A three-story glass atrium which provides numerous areas for student/faculty interaction, socializing, even study nooks on the grand staircase;
• Small gathering spaces throughout the building offer numerous opportunities to relax and for group study;
• A new Bayley Auditorium with a flexible design adaptable to classes of any size as well as effective space for visiting scientists, panel discussions, film and other multimedia presentations.

Wittenberg’s science faculty has been planning a new science facility for seven years as the growth of programs made the existing building too small. Wittenberg faculty have led the planning for the new Kuss Center, working closely with architects and laboratory design consultants firm Earl Walls & Associates of San Diego to create a learning space that captures the best practices of teaching collegiate-level science today.

The faculty members’ vision for the project was to create a flexible laboratory and classroom facility that can adapt to large and small group work and adapt easily to future technology. Science buildings of the 1950s and 1960s science instruction were closed off by walls and had few windows, according to Ken Bladh, professor of geology. The Kuss Center design calls for many walls of glass intended to eliminate the mystery of scientific exploration. Like Wittenberg’s new high-tech humanities building, Hollenbeck Hall, the Kuss Center is also designed to optimize interaction between students, faculty and the science disciplines.

The Kuss Center will integrate the latest advances in laboratory safety. The center will include modern laboratory hoods and air handling systems, specially designed storage rooms with explosion-proof cabinets, and clean room technology to remove infectious pathogens.

Architects
Holabird & Root, Chicago
Holabird & Root maintains fullservice offices in Chicago and Rochester, Minnesota. We offer clients a complete integration of architectural, engineering, interior and graphic design services.

Laboratory Programmer/Planner
Earl Walls & Associates, San Diego

Scheduled Completion: 2003

Cost: $23 million

Phase One
47,000-square foot expansion
(adding high-tech classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, student study/social areas, improved 230-seat auditorium)

Phase Two
Planning also calls for later renovation of existing Science Hall (96,000square feet, built 1966, expanded in 1972) The second phase of the project will upgrade existing mechanical systems, computer network connections, classrooms and laboratory spaces.

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