Boise State’s New Science Building Models Inclusive, Collaborative STEM Design
Set to open in 2029, Boise State University’s new interdisciplinary science building will expand capacity for STEM programs and support cutting-edge research, collaboration, and student success in fields like life sciences, neuroscience, and biomedical research. Image: Courtesy of Boise State University
Boise State University is moving forward with a significant investment in STEM education and research with the development of a new interdisciplinary science building, set to open in 2029. Designed to support growing enrollment and provide cutting-edge spaces for collaboration, research, and learning, the facility reflects Boise State’s evolving priorities in student success, campus planning, and sustainability.
The new building will house programs in life sciences, neuroscience, and biomedical research, among others. As enrollment in STEM majors continues to rise, the university recognized the need for expanded infrastructure. The facility is expected to alleviate capacity issues in current science buildings and foster a more dynamic, interdisciplinary academic environment.
Before any architectural or construction firms were engaged, Boise State initiated an internal “pre-design” effort. During this phase, university stakeholders came together to define key planning elements—including the problem statement, guiding principles, mission and vision, overarching theme, program needs, and potential site options. This groundwork established a clear direction for the project beforedeterminig selecting a design team.
“Once the team was in place, additional outreach and interaction with the campus community occurred. This included large-format listening sessions and workshops, the creation of specific user groups, a steering committee to assist with critical decision making, and the identification of project co-champions to serve as leaders throughout the process,” says Drew Alexander, assistant vice president of campus operations. “This entire effort has already positively influenced the schematic design, thanks to our clear priorities, guiding principles, and a consistent building purpose.”
Strategic site selection balances proximity and practicality
With open lab pods, shared support spaces, and plans for lounges and a ground-floor coffee shop, Boise State University’s new science building is designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and create inviting “third spaces” for spontaneous connection and discovery. Image: Courtesy of Boise State University
The selected site, at the corner of Belmont Street and Euclid Avenue, was chosen after an extensive evaluation of 10 possible campus locations. In determining the final site, proximity to existing STEM programs, readiness for construction, and cost efficiency were prioritized. “Like many urban universities, Boise State is land-constrained, and site selection is very important. We have to be confident in the highest and best use for each part of our 200-acre campus,” Alexander explains, citing the importance of leveraging shovel-ready parcels that minimize costly utility relocations. The selected site offered excellent adjacency to science programs while preserving more of the project’s budget for the building itself.
The facility’s design centers on creating open, flexible environments that support interdisciplinary collaboration. Research floors will feature open lab pods without fixed walls, with adjacent write-up areas offering visibility into lab activity. Lab support spaces are designed to be flexible and shared, reducing redundancy and encouraging interaction between students and faculty across disciplines.
In addition to formal workspaces, the design team is evaluating the inclusion of shared break areas and lounges to foster friendly gatherings. “This part of our campus lacks a ‘third space’—a place to formally or informally meet between classes or other activities,” Alexander says. “We’re evaluating a small coffee shop in the facility’s ground floor to provide an additional reason to stay, or simply visit, when there isn’t a scheduled reason to do so.”
Inclusive spaces support learners at every stage
Designed to be inclusive and accessible for learners at every level, Boise State University’s new science building will foster collaboration, representation, and academic opportunity through dynamic, welcoming spaces that support both structured learning and spontaneous discovery. Image: Courtesy of Boise State University
Inclusivity and accessibility are core to the building’s mission. Boise State intends the facility to be welcoming and supportive for learners at every academic level.
According to Nancy Glenn, vice president of research, “The building will offer a mix of dynamic spaces designed to support learners at every stage—from courses to advanced research. Students might attend a seminar in a flexible classroom, join a study group in a casual lounge area, or work side-by-side with faculty mentors at a lab bench. These environments foster both structured learning and spontaneous collaboration, empowering students to grow academically and intellectually.”
Glenn emphasizes that inclusivity also applies to representation and academic opportunity. “Our commitment is to create a facility that is welcoming and accessible to all learners. The design emphasizes physical and academic accessibility, encourages interaction across disciplines, and provides spaces where anyone can engage in STEM discovery and innovation. We envision a space that not only reflects our values but also inspires the next generation of scientists and problem-solvers.”
Sustainability and climate-conscious features in focus
Boise State University’s new science building reflects a strong commitment to sustainability, with plans for LEED Silver certification, future geothermal connectivity, mass timber construction, and other climate-conscious strategies. Image: Courtesy of Boise State University
The building also reflects Boise State’s commitment to climate-conscious design. It is currently on track to achieve LEED Silver certification, and planners are actively exploring integration with the City of Boise’s geothermal heating system. Even if capacity does not currently exist, the building will include the infrastructure necessary for future geothermal connectivity. Other sustainability strategies under evaluation include advanced utility metering, drought-tolerant landscaping, improved bike parking, and the use of mass timber in certain structural elements to support carbon sequestration.
Beyond the building’s walls, Boise State is using this opportunity to enhance connectivity in an area of campus that still reflects the original townsite grid. Streetscape improvements and sidewalk upgrades will support a more pedestrian-focused campus environment and align with the university’s long-term master plan.
Looking ahead to 2029, university leaders plan to measure the project’s success not just by the facility itself, but by the energy and collaboration it fosters. As Glenn notes, “We’ll measure success by how well the facility supports inclusive access, fuels research breakthroughs, and cultivates a culture of innovation and inquiry.”
With the development of this new science building, Boise State aims to strengthen its support for growing STEM programs while providing spaces that foster collaboration, research, and student engagement for years to come.
