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Science II Building, California State University Fresno
Fresno, California
Photography:
Kelly Petersen
The Science II Building has added much needed interdisciplinary classroom and office space to the campus of California State University, Fresno. This 72,000 square foot, $16,800,000 complex bid at 7% below budget and was occupied in spring of 2005.
Science II is the home for the departments of Geology, Psychology, Earth Science, Criminology and the College of Science and Mathematics. Before Science II was constructed, students on the east side of the campus studied in their cars waiting for class because there were no study spaces nearby.
By developing an efficient plan, the architects were able to justify the design of a large glass enclosed study hall that was not called for in the building program. The program called for faculty offices, dry labs, and lecture halls. The three program components were each assigned to a “wing,” thus reducing the amount of gross area consumed by circulation. This strategy afforded the large study hall and smaller study spaces that are dispersed throughout the building. The courtyard formed by the three wings features power and data to facilitate lectures and performances. Furthermore, an “outdoor classroom” in the courtyard offers a teaching mode not previously provided on campus.
University buildings are “built for the ages,” and few other materials possess the durability and sense of aesthetic permanence as concrete masonry. Four different types of CMU were specified for the Science II building.
The base material is gray precision block with 2-coat plaster applied as accent. Natural gray split face block is the main exterior material. Window and door lintels are expressed by precision face cream tinted block. An exposed steel canopy shades upper level windows from the harsh summer sun. The canopy is supported by steel struts that mount to a knee plate bolted to the sloped top of columns and pilasters made of ground face red concrete masony block. The canopy support columns anchor the overall composition to the site and unify the three wings of the building.
Architect:
The Taylor Group
Architects
978 W. Alluvial Avenue,
Suite 107
Fresno, CA 93711
Paul Halajian, AIA
Principal
Structural
Engineer:
Advanced Structural Design, Inc.
General
Contractor:
Lewis C. Nelson and Sons
Masonry
Contractor:
O’Neal Masonry Partners
Block Producer:
Blocklite
Owner:
The Trustees of the California State
University
