The Science and Technology Center for Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom in Lakewood, WA will be a new learning facility serving the Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Engineering programs at the school.  The Science and Technology center encompassing 70,000 square feet will be home to science laboratories, classrooms, group study areas, faculty offices, and a planetarium.  Winter garden areas will connect large building volumes bridging the gap between indoor and outdoor spaces. 

The building architecture and engineered systems shall express natural building systems, conserve energy, and provide an interactive learning center.  Pierce College is very interested in sustainable building systems to enhance occupant comfort, to reduce energy demand and operational costs, and for implementation into the College curriculum.  As part of Washington State mandate, the Science and Technology center will be a green building complying with the USGBC’s LEED-NC criteria and achieve a minimum rating of LEED Silver.   

For this project, passive systems were maximized and active systems designed to supplement passive systems to meet large peak demands placed on classroom and laboratory facilities.  Passive systems include natural ventilation, radiant systems, thermal mass and daylighting.

Architect: Opsis