University of South Carolina Instructional Chemistry Lab Building Exterior at Dusk
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University of South Carolina, Science and Technology Building

Repurposing a former Law School in the heart of a tight urban campus provided an economical and sustainable approach to meeting the increasing demand for undergraduate chemistry teaching spaces at USC. 

A complete gutting and abatement of approximately 180,000 SF of a 1970s structure created three floors of state-of-the-art laboratories in the West Tower for honors chemistry, organic chemistry, general chemistry, and physical and analytical chemistry. Classrooms and shared public spaces along the building perimeter offer extensive interior glazing to maximize daylight and views — optimizing limited exterior windows while creating a highly-transparent learning environment, putting “science on display.”

A former dark one-story lobby was transformed into a three-story, glass-enclosed atrium that introduces a monumental stair, strengthens circulation between the East and West Towers, and provides access to a new rooftop terrace. The renovation includes new student gathering and multiple collaboration spaces.

Our design team also prepared separate bidding packages for demolition and abatement followed by the fit-out construction documents for the West Tower.  

The East Tower renovation transformed previously unfinished space into a vibrant learning environment with 16 classrooms and four advanced biology laboratories supporting upper-level coursework in microbiology, genetics, and related disciplines. Technology-enabled active learning classrooms, new study areas, and faculty offices provide 664 additional student seats and support the University’s largest academic department as well as growing demand across nursing, public health, pharmacy, and other health-related programs.

Together, the East and West Tower renovations deliver a highly flexible, sustainable science facility that supports advanced research, collaborative learning, and hands-on scientific training for the next generation of STEM professionals.

Certified: LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council

Awarded:

  • Lab Manager Design Excellence Awards, Special Mention for Adaptive Reuse, Sustainability Category
  • Historic Columbia Preservation Awards, New Construction in an Historic Context
  • AIA South Carolina, Adaptive Reuse Merit Design Award
  • AIA Columbia, Honor Award

In association with Stantec (formerly Page / EYP)