Science and Education at Work
By Sharon Petersen
Located within a world-renowned technological corridor, UW Bothell is uniquely positioned to take full advantage of the region’s scientific opportunities and industry needs. Yet, as the fastestgrowing four-year public institution in the state, UW Bothell has outgrown its classroom and lab space.
Building on our acclaimed Nursing and Computer Science programs, the Bothell campus is building out a suite of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) degrees to meet the ever increasing demands of UW Bothell students and the community that the campus serves. New degrees in biology and electrical engineering have been launched to great acclaim and additional baccalaureate degrees in STEM fields are coming online in the near future.
"UW Bothell is committed to catalyze and support excellence in
the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) and other core subjects through the creation of
an innovative, instructional facility and use of novel technologies."
-- Kenyon S. Chan, Chancellor
With current enrollment at nearly 3,000 students and with UW Bothell’s buildings originally designed to accommodate only 1,800, many UW-eligible students who want to attend Bothell are being turned away.
“We are committed to providing the best education possible, and yet we haven’t been able to admit a number of otherwise qualified students due to capacity,” says Kenyon S. Chan, chancellor. “It is difficult to see eligible students turned away due to space limitations.”
In a recent study of community and business leaders, commissioned by the governor, it was estimated that the state of Washington needs to produce an additional 6,000 baccalaureate degrees annually, of which 2,000 degrees are needed from STEM fields in order to meet job demands. Recognizing the need filled by a new science and academic building on the Bothell campus, the state legislature approved funding for pre-design and design phases of UW3. Design is complete and the project will be shovel ready by July 1, 2011. State construction funding has been requested but given tough financial times for the state, construction will likely be delayed. UW Bothell is currently seeking funding for the construction phase of this project that will produce 1,500 construction-related jobs in addition to the tremendous long-term impacts to student learning at UW Bothell.
"Here at UW Bothell, studying science and technology means that
you will be part of an innovative and creative learning environment.
This strong foundation provides students with a competitive
advantage point towards their prospective career paths."
-- Amira Davis, Class of 2011, ASUWB President 2010-2011
UW Bothell’s rapid growth has led to a doubling of the student population and outgrowing of its current facilities. This will be the first building constructed on campus in over 10 years. “Faculty and staff have been involved from the very beginning in determining the building’s purpose and design,” says Marilyn Cox, vice chancellor for administration and planning, who is overseeing the project. “It will be the centerpiece of a strong infrastructure that will provide stateof- the-art classrooms, equipment and instruction for a competitive, four-year plus graduate STEM curriculum.”
This 74,000 square foot building will accommodate 1,000 full-time students, with 430 classroom seats, 11 science laboratories, 250 lab seats, and a 200-seat lecture hall. It will feature energy-saving systems and “green” building features, such as solar-heated hot water, recycled materials, natural and displacement ventilation, and grey water reuse. The surrounding building and landscaping will include an ADA accessible crescent walkway and will create disability access to the upper campus through careful design.
The target date for occupancy is fall 2013. When it is completed, this science and academic building will be much more than a functional space — it will be a virtual “living” monument to science and education. Besides being alive with the activities of students, faculty and researchers, the structure and site will reflect numerous principles of science including the use of ground water for micro-hydro power, and building insulation that mimics the three part natural insulation of birds.
“At no added cost, just thoughtful design, we will create a harmony of spaces that is active, that is in motion,” says Cox. “Through the construction of our new science and academic building, we are demonstrating our dedication to our students and to meeting the 21st century educational needs of our state.”
