Firm: Mithun

Project Name: Seattle University Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation

Project Statement: Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, this new five-story building is nestled at the primary campus entry, creating a new gateway to innovation. This facility showcases STEM research and learning to students and the greater community. New state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms and collaboration spaces augment the current College of Science and Engineering facilities, expanding opportunities for scientific exploration and learning. The project breaks down academic silos and makes STEM relevant to the entire campus population by integrating the disciplines within an inviting, student-centered hub for gathering, hands-on exploration and discovery. The new facility will be a magnet for talented faculty and for students pursuing STEM education.

In addition to lab spaces, the facility offers a maker space where students from across campus can come together to create works from screen prints to sewn garments, jewelry making to 3D printing; the Convergence Zone café; Oberto Commons; and the Computer Science Project Center, which includes conference rooms for students to meet their industry liaison in a professional setting. It is also the new home to student-run radio station and the Center for Community Engagement. Impressive art relating to themes of science is on display throughout the building, with many works by local, Northwest and BIPOC artists.

Clear plan organization and well-integrated wayfinding elements are critical for ease of navigating in this large building. A wood-clad elevator core with carved-in supersized level numbers extends the full height of the building and serves as a consistent marker. A light-filled central atrium animates the center of the building and facilitates intuitive spatial orientation. Central stairs featuring timber treads and landings rise next to the atrium and encourages movement through the building. The open stairs and central atrium support chance encounters that help to promote cross-pollination between the departments. In addition to illuminating the atrium, the central skylight creates an ever-changing play of light throughout the day and the seasons, and this column of light emphasizes the verticality of the space.

Biology, chemistry and computer science labs are organized along two bars. Teaching labs occupy the interior bar facing the atrium, and feature wall-to-wall glazing that allows anyone walking by to see the excitement of learning and catch glimpses of science experiments. Research labs form the exterior bar facing the city. The visibility of research labs demonstrates University’s commitment to advancing science and invites curiosity from students and the surrounding community. In addition to meeting complex technical requirements, the lab design prioritizes quality of light and acoustics. Strategically located color accents introduce playfulness, while wood casework brings warmth and nature into the largely white lab spaces. Biobased floor tile and FSC-certified casework contribute to occupant heath and sustainability.

Students and faculty can choose a favorite spot and alter their choice throughout the day among a variety of spaces that offer a range of experiences. Celebrating the school’s deep-red brand color, casual lounge space along the north façade features light filtering dividers that create layered eddies for individual work or collaboration. The vibrant red glow of this space is visible from the walking paths and from the active street along the campus edge. The overall interior palette relies on simple materials that express building structure and its intense infrastructure. Color and texture are thoughtfully employed to create a sense of place within a larger space. Student study nooks are one example of intentional use of color as a space-defining design element. There are few identical studies: each allows a choice of internal or external views, formal or casual seating, and collaborative or focused environment.

The facility is home to several formal spaces as well, including the University President’s dining room, which is often used for outreach to community leaders. The design of this space integrates the spirit of hospitality, akin to a living room, and reflects the President’s preferences. The space is infused with a deep-blue wallcovering juxtaposed against the richness and warmth of wood furnishings and ceiling.

The Makerspace prominently featured at the building corner includes a reception area open to the campus community, as well as to the public. In a nod to the scientists and students familiar with DNA code, the front panel of the reception desk displays a poem encoded using the DNA letters. The “secret” code brings delight to those in the know. The Makerspace features a highly visible mass timber wall, inviting students to explore innovative materials and signaling the University’s commitment to sustainability. The mass timber wall incorporates a workbench, and the students have adopted the word “MAKE” carved into the wall as the de-facto display shelf for their projects. In addition to the Makerspace, mass timber benches and tables are incorporated throughout the building.

This LEED Gold certified project builds on the progressive tradition of a century-old Jesuit university by focusing on energy efficiency, carbon reduction, healthy learning environments and expanding the role of the campus as a garden oasis in its urban setting. The facility achieved an EUI of 87 in comparison with a “business as usual” EUI of 185 typical for this class of laboratory buildings. It achieved a 45% reduction in CO2 emissions thanks to being powered entirely by electric energy, exposing most of the structure in public spaces, high ratio of cement replacement and a very thermally efficient exterior envelope. Prominently featured open stairs with timber treads and landings invite students and faculty to use stairs instead of the elevator. The design team paid close attention to healthy material selection along with providing a range of sensory experiences through varying space scales, lighting conditions, views and textures for building occupants’ enjoyment.

Brendan Connolly
Architecture, Mithun
Charles Kirby
Architecture, EYP
Lana Lisitsa
Architecture, Mithun
Robert McClure
Architecture, EYP
Elizabeth MacPherson
Interior Design, Mithun
Linda Rodts
Interior Design, EYP
Lisa Hartanov
Interior Design, Mithun
Lori Manderson-Tilley
Interior Design, Mithun
Dorothy Faris, Landscape Architecture, Mithun
David Thomas, Architecture, EYP
Toni Loiacano, Architecture, EYP
Andrew London, Architecture, EYP
Seamus Kelly, Architecture, Mithun
Dawid Pol, Architecture, Mithun
Caitlin Squier-Roper, Landscape Architecture, Mithun

Design + Programing Lead, IT/AV | EYP Architecture and Engineering | | 

General Contractor | Skanska | | 

MEP | PAE Engineers | | 

Civil Engineer | KPFF Consulting Engineers | | 

Acoustics | Greenbusch | | 

Elevator Consultant | FS2EC | | 

Food Service Consultant | JLR Design Group | | 

Lighting Design | Arup | | 

Furniture | MBI | | 

Furniture | Opensquare | |