Designed to be a "crucible for ideas," CSI has raised the University's profile in the community helped increase enrollment in STEM fields and become the "go-to" place for students from departments across campus. The sustainable, site-inspired design channels students, faculty, and visitors through interconnected neighborhoods of classrooms, laboratories, offices, and “living spaces" along a connective spine that links the sciences to the center of campus. This popular new campus hub provides unique learning environments including 'the Cube," an innovative Maker Space that supports both engineering and Trinity's unique interdisciplinary program in entrepreneurialism.
Features:
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Feature 1:
Designed to help manage stormwater runoff, the bioswale features live oaks and native plants.
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Feature 2:
A green roof is one of several features that make the building a living lab for sustainability.
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Feature 3:
Energy-saving design strategies earned Trinity a $1.3M rebate from the local utility.
Building Facts
- 155,000 GSF new
- 85,000 GSF modernization
- LEED Gold certified
- 43 research labs
- 24 teaching labs
- Innovation lab/maker space
- Outdoor classroom
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Sciences
- Engineering Science
- Psychology
Awards & Honors
Transparent by Design
Large garage doors open the Cube to the courtyard.
Stacked along balcony edges, informal study nooks overlook the atrium.
A pedestrian bridge connects the new building with its modernized neighbor.
Glass-walled labs offer passers-by a glimpse into scientific discovery.
Reading and conversation nooks are semi-private oases in the busy atrium.
Glass walls put science on display to increase interest in STEM among those using the building's soft spaces. This deliberate transparency strengthens connections between the sciences and the rest of the campus.
Innovation Modernization Collaborative Space InteriorsProtecting the Environment
In the Driver’s Seat
Students thought their new STEM building needed a cool tour guide…so they built one. CSIborg gives visitors an unforgettable welcome to Trinity’s culture of creativity.
InnovationLiberating Potential to Transform Human Experience
Inspired and empowered by innovative spaces like “the Cube,” undergraduates collaborate with peers and faculty on projects that address real-world issues like diabetes and pediatric health, aging in place, or cross-cultural communication.
Advancing Mission STEM ResearchDavid RibbleThe architects collaborated and pushed us to think beyond our wildest dreams, and the result is this award-worthy facility that has transformed the way we think about our educational mission and demonstrates who we are.
STEM Magnet
Designed as a "crucible for ideas," CSI has raised Trinity’s profile among liberal arts institutions; helped increase enrollment in STEM fields; and become the go-to place for students from all disciplines.
Innovation Advancing Mission Collaborative SpaceLiving Lab
Trinity's investment in energy efficiency and sustainability earned it a Texas-sized ROI in the form of a $1.3M rebate from San Antonio's public utility.
Building Performance Energy Decisions
This article from High Profile explores what makes makerspaces such engaging learning environments for students from all disciplines. Drawing on her lab planning and STEM research experience, the author explains the Think/Model/Make design concept with examples from her favorite makerspace - Trinity University's unique innovation center, "The Cube."
Further Reading
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The Architect 50: Best in Sustainability
Architect Magazine
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Trinity Science Center Alive with Light & Space
The Rivard Report
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Trinity Aims to Launch Innovators with New Center
San Antonio Express-News
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Maker Culture and the Human Factor
Metropolis
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Center for Sciences and Innovation
Tradeline
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