IDC Architects

Science Building 2 (SB2) is located in the heart of the Portland State University (PSU) urban campus. Originally constructed in 1971, the building was badly outdated and in need of significant upgrades to meet city and state building codes, and to accommodate PSU’s growth.

In 2005, the University engaged IDC Architects (IDCA) to develop a “Building Advisory Committee Report,” an investigation and assessment of SB2 in light of PSU’s needs and goals. Completed in 2006, this study served as the basis for efforts to seek public funding and community support for a new Science and Research Teaching Complex on campus.

IDCA also created a fundraising donor’s package, comprised of 2D graphics and virtual and physical models, which outlined and defined the University’s vision and goals for the project. This document served as the basis for soliciting and acquiring both state funding and private donor support.

IDCA was subsequently selected to provide architectural design and engineering for major renovations and additions to SB2, which represents the first phase in the creation of the new complex. The project scope included structural, mechanical and electrical upgrades, addition of new labs and a hazardous material facility, student areas, as well as functional and aesthetic improvements to the existing laboratories.

Encompassing approximately 250,000 GSF, the renovated SB2 houses research and teaching labs for biology, chemistry, environmental science, and physics; as well as offices and a student commons. The facility will help attract top faculty and students by strengthening interdisciplinary connections and aligning leading programs in environmental science, pharmaceuticals, and nanotechnology.

Benefits of the new facility include:

• New labs provide much improved teaching and research spaces with more efficient layouts, new fume hoods, and better lighting
• New hazardous materials addition greatly improves student safety and gives facility managers better control over use of chemicals and lab supplies
• Updated corridors and lobby create a modern, attractive facility that showcases PSU’s commitment to science education and research
• The building operates using approximately 50% less conditioned air than before the upgrade

The project is designed to LEED® Silver standards. It also complies with the state of Oregon’s Energy-Efficient Design (SEED) program, which requires the building to achieve a minimum energy efficiency of 20% above the state energy code.

IDCA worked closely with PSU to determine priorities through the programming phase by developing multiple concepts to address a wide array of issues and assigning a probable cost to each one. IDCA’s innovative “target-value” design process helped deliver the design on time and on budget, while fulfilling the University’s goals for the project.