Center for the Sciences & Innovation (CSI)

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:

Feature 1:
Designed to help manage stormwater runoff, the bioswale features live oaks and native plants.
Feature 2:
A green roof is one of several features that make the building a living lab for sustainability.
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

Green Building Award

City of San Antonio
Sustainability Awards - Second Award (Built Category)

Rethinking the Future
Merit Award

American Society of Landscape Architects, Texas Chapter

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.

seating area on atrium balcony edge — 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 Interiors

The Secret Is Out

“What will science education look like in 20 years?” We don’t have a crystal ball... but our research reveals how the built environment impacts teaching, learning, research, and community. Watch Trinity faculty and students describe what their new building inspires and enables them to do better than before.

Advancing Mission STEM Research

The 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.

David Ribble Professor of Biology, Trinity University

Think / Model / Make

An inventive Makerspace has helped increased STEM enrollment at Trinity University, a #1 ranked liberal arts university. "The Cube" accommodates variously sized groups with movable walls, mobile team stations, and gigantic garage doors to support both presentations and hands-on individual or collaborative work .

Innovation Advancing Mission Collaborative Space

Texas-sized ROI

Trinity's investment in energy efficiency and sustainability earned a $1.3M rebate from San Antonio's public utility.

Building Performance Energy Decisions

February 22, 2016

Makerspaces on the Rise for Interdisciplinary Higher Education

by Toni Loiacano

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."