Science Center Opens at Point Loma Nazarene University

November 24, 2015 1663 Views Architectural Research Consultants, Bella Concert Hall, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Pfeiffer Partners Architects, Sage Renewable Energy Consulting Inc., Sahuri + Partners Architecture Inc., Western U.S.

SAN DIEGO — Point Loma Nazarene University’s (PLNU) new 36,000-square-foot science center debuted earlier this month to support the school’s rapidly growing, interdisciplinary science program. The project is the result of the largest capital campaign in the San Diego-based university’s history, and will serve as the heart of its scientific mission, fusing faith with service and scientific inquiry, according to a statement by PLNU.

The innovative science center is one of the first major new buildings on the PLNU campus in decades and was designed by locally based Carrier Johnson + CULTURE. In addition to providing new, state-of-the-art technology, laboratories and classrooms for both students and faculty, the science center represents the university’s investment in growth and its mission of unifying modern Christian values with a broad curriculum, according to a statement by PLNU.

To create a visually impressive exterior, the project team connected the existing Rohr Science building to the new facility with an elevated walkway leading to a patio with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, the two-story center’s curved stainless steel environmental screen, which filters sunlight and shade into the interior common area, along with its prominent coastal site, help define its forward-thinking design.

“This is a significant expansion to the academic space at Point Loma Nazarene University, which is known for its excellent science department and the highly successful record of student placements in medical schools," said Ray Varela, architect in charge for Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, who worked with founding principal Gordon R. Carrier, FAIA, on the project, in a statement.

The new complex will allow PLNU to better accommodate the increasing number of students who want to study science. With nearly forty percent of PLNU undergraduate students majoring in one of the science-related disciplines, and all undergraduate students required to complete a laboratory science course, the new building is a desirable addition to campus, according to a statement by the university.

“Every student at PLNU will benefit from this investment,” said Dr. Sara Choung, chair of the PLNU chemistry department, in a statement. “This much-needed facility better reflects the quality of the faculty, students and alumni who have stretched PLNU’s science program in remarkable directions.”

“Excellent teaching, careful mentoring, and hands-on learning have been a hallmark of the PLNU Science Program,” added PLNU President, Dr. Bob Brower in a statement. “These inimitable characteristics, coupled with this new, innovative facility, will enable the science program to reach new heights and support the continued success of our PLNU science faculty and students”

Rudolph and Sletten General Contractors of Redwood City, Calif., constructed the science center.