Innovating for Tomorrow: A New Science Initiative at CC
Colorado College is exploring options to expand our science infrastructure to meet rising student demand and strengthen our academic position in research and education in the sciences. More than 40% of CC students graduate in natural science and interdisciplinary science majors each year, and demand for lab and learning spaces has risen sharply.
Science classes at CC have consistently long wait lists, especially in introductory courses and courses related to climate and environment, biology and chemistry, pre-health courses, and computer and data sciences and mathematics. New and renovated buildings will create a dynamic science zone in the northeast part of campus, optimizing capacity so that students can access these high-demand courses more readily. At the same time, we will enhance the student experience with state-of-the-art teaching labs that support experiential, block-plan-style learning.
Research labs will support our faculty, who maintain an average of 15 active grants per year from the National Science Foundation, as they mentor students in faculty-student collaborative research across science disciplines. Modular components allow us to do this in a sustainable way, as lab and classroom spaces will be customizable based on class size and subject matter. An atrium connecting the buildings will offer shared gathering and breakout spaces for community, wellness, and cross-departmental collaboration — a place where innovation is sparked and possibilities unlocked.
Science classes at CC have consistently long wait lists, especially in introductory courses and courses related to climate and environment, biology and chemistry, pre-health courses, and computer and data sciences and mathematics. New and renovated buildings will create a dynamic science zone in the northeast part of campus, optimizing capacity so that students can access these high-demand courses more readily. At the same time, we will enhance the student experience with state-of-the-art teaching labs that support experiential, block-plan-style learning.
Research labs will support our faculty, who maintain an average of 15 active grants per year from the National Science Foundation, as they mentor students in faculty-student collaborative research across science disciplines. Modular components allow us to do this in a sustainable way, as lab and classroom spaces will be customizable based on class size and subject matter. An atrium connecting the buildings will offer shared gathering and breakout spaces for community, wellness, and cross-departmental collaboration — a place where innovation is sparked and possibilities unlocked.
Where We're Headed
The front-runner design option is the ambitious 3-component design: a new science building west of the current Olin Hall, a completely renovated and updated Olin, and a spacious multi-story atrium connecting the new structure with the renewed Olin. The new building will primarily house labs, with a focus on infrastructure-heavy wet-labs. The renovated Olin, along with Barnes and Tutt Science, will house the science departments with classrooms, faculty offices, and additional laboratories. Natural light and wide hallways will illuminate the atrium connecting the buildings.
Additional features of a new science initiative include:
- A Low-Carbon, Sustainable Design: Our commitment to sustainability will inform design decisions. Possible design measures include highly efficient mechanical systems, use of sustainable material such as mass timber, biophilic design with ample natural light to enhance connection to the natural environment and reducing embodied carbon by renovating Olin.
- Collaboration and Community: Modular design, adjustable walls, and portable lab equipment will maximize available space, facilitate resource-sharing, and allow for customization based on curriculum and class size. Shared scientists’ lounges and social gathering spaces, some with floor-to-ceiling whiteboards, will encourage moments of relaxation and interaction between students and faculty across departments.
- Science on Display: Open-plan, transparent architecture with ample exterior and interior windows will put science “on display” — showcasing the work of students and faculty, welcoming all members of campus in to experience the sciences, and bringing awareness to CC’s natural science programs.
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Site Visits: Wellesley College, Pitzer & Scripps Colleges |
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| Image from a site visit to Wellesley College. CC's new science building will feature bright, airy shared gathering spaces with plentiful natural light. | Image from a site visit to Wellesley College. The use of mass timber is a low-carbon, sustainable choice known for both its versatility and natural beauty. | Image from a site visit to the Department of Natural Sciences of Pitzer & Scripps Colleges. Movable lab equipment will enhance flexibility based on class size and curriculum. |
Conceptual Images
View Slide Show 6 Photographs
Projected Milestones
| Title | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Programming Study | Programming study to identify options based on academic program needs and campus space research | March 2024 |
| Evaluation | Board of Trustees evaluation of options, funding and timelines | June 2024 Board of Trustees retreat |
| Engineering Study | Engineering Study for Olin Hall | October 2024 |
| RFP | RFP for conceptual and design architect | Fall 2024/Winter 2025 |
| Design | Conceptual design | Winter 2024 through Spring 2025 |
| Financing and Detailed Planning | Fundraising, schematic design, and contractor selection | Spring 2025-Summer 2027 |
| Groundbreaking | Estimated - Break ground | Start of Academic Year 2027-28 |
| Addition Complete | Estimated completion of Olin addition construction | Summer 2029 |
| Renovation Begins | Begin renovation of existing Olin Hall | Fall 2029 |
| Renovation Complete | Estimated completion of existing Olin renovation | Summer 2031 |
Let's Keep In Touch
Interested in learning more, getting involved, or sharing feedback? Email Preston Briggs, Associate Vice President for Development, at pbriggs@coloradocollege.edu.
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Last updated: 10/29/2024