+Architecture/Higher Education

Point Loma Narazrene University

Point Loma Nazarene University Science Center

Vision

Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is a 3,500-student university in San Diego, California located on a lush coastal campus with landmarks predating the 1800s in the theosophist vernacular. PLNU life is grounded in a strong sense of faith guided by the tenets of personal salvation, a life of service, and the Bible’s primacy. PLNU is also known for its acclaimed science programs and successful medical school placements. Its existing Rohr Science building was 52 years old and the needs of the Chemistry, Biology, Physical, Math, and Computer Science Departments had grown beyond the capacities of that facility.

As their robust science program was attracting a growing student body, PLNU needed a new science building to house state-of-the-art classrooms and labs. This new building would sit at the center of their sloped campus adjacent to the continent’s first Greek amphitheater and would be one of the largest undertakings the University has ever made. They had high expectations that this building:

Incorporate and highlight natural lighting and ventilation and passive heating and cooling methods

Nurture a culture of enthusiastic and tireless learning through the architecture and design

Become a keystone building on the campus by exuding excellence through an effective balance between creativity and utility

Sustain the teaching of science for years to come

Benefit all students and staff on the campus, not just those in the science departments

Inspire imagination

Architecturally and visually connect with the renovated existing building

Create comfortable and delightful spaces for students to connect and gather informally

Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among departments through programmatic flexibility

This addition of a large science and academic center was almost 20 years in the making. With this work, the evangelical Christian institution went against stereotype, making physical the school’s vibrant dialogue between scientific progress and biblical teachings, evolution and creation, spiritual enlightenment, and human potential.

Project Meta

Client

Point Loma Narazrene University

Completion

2015

Size

36,000 SF

Construction Cost

$22,831,000

LEED Rating

Cerified Gold NC

Markets

Academic (Higher Ed); Science and Technology

Project Types

Higher Education, Science & Technology

Services

Architecture, Interiors, Site Planning

“…conveys both the value and limitations of science in the world where our graduates live and work.”

Design for Integration

The University’s commitment to a high level of conservation and environmental preservation is supported by the design of this academic building which delivers a unique green design and energy-efficient technology that exceeds the University’s initial LEED target, achieving LEED Gold.

A curved perforated stainless-steel environmental screen reflects the sun’s heat from the building’s south facade while allowing natural light to filter in. A concrete roof overhang between the metal screen wall and the building facade provides additional shading for the building and outdoor walkway. Both features significantly reduce energy load demands for the classrooms and labs.

Design for Ecology

Preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the hilly terrain and side-sloping gradient was an important aspect of the design.

Over 48% of the project site is dedicated to open space, comprised primarily of native or adapted planting. The building footprint occupies 29.6% of the site, 13,669 SF less than its open space.

The building appears to be nested into the landscape while maintaining a strong architectural presence.

View corridors are carefully choreographed through building placement and massing to frame the beauty of the surrounding natural environment—ocean, coastal vegetation, sun/sky—as seen from multiple perspectives.

Design for Energy

Traditional laboratories consume large amounts of energy to ensure proper ventilation. “Intelligent-building-ventilation” technology was implemented to keep the lab environment safe from contaminants while reducing energy requirements and lowering the University’s operational costs.

The intelligent building ventilation system controls air dilution based on the contaminant levels detected in the air. To maintain safe air quality, air exchange increases in response to a rise in contaminant levels. Paired with this technology are energy-efficient high-plume dilution fans that propel lab exhaust safely away from the building while reducing its concentration.

Building energy efficiency is 10.46% better than required by Title 24 – resulting in a 20% lower energy cost compared to a baseline building of a similar typology.

Design for Wellness

All classrooms and 50% of the laboratory spaces have north-facing full-height glass walls that provide students/faculty with ample daylighting and a visual connection to the outdoors—contributing to a positive learning environment.

Low-emitting adhesive, sealants, paints, flooring systems, and wood composites were used in the building to prevent exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and sick building syndrome.