Selected Consturction Photographs can be found at:

http://www.whitman.edu/chemistry/WebBLDGPhotos/index.htm

Introduction & Design Philosophy

Whitman College has completed an addition to its existing Hall of Science and renovated the existing structure. The new science building addition is joined to the existing science building and lies between the Harper Joy Theatre and its old parking lot. The Hall of Science construction occured in two phases. Phase I consisted of creating the addition and renovating parts of the existing Hall of Science to facilitate the new construction (such as creation of hallways to enter the new edifice). Phase II saw the existing building undergo major remodeling so that it can serve as a suitable Hall of Science for the 21st century. The new building addition features a naturally-lit atrium and a greenhouse that shows the scientific work and learning occuring at Whitman College. The central area in the atrium serves as a showcase for scientific work being done at the College and will facilitate public gatherings.

Timeline

Construction of Phase I began June, 2001 and was completed in 2002 in time for the fall academic semester. Phase II construction began in the summer of 2002 and was completed at the end of summer 2003.  You can view photographs of the entire process here.

Cost

In early February of 2001, Whitman College's Board of Trustees approved the project with an estimated overall cost of 19.4 million dollars. The projected cost of Phase I was approximately 13.5 million dollars while Phase II's approximate projected cost was about six million dollars.

Environmental Priniciples

As mentioned in the Introduction, keeping the new science building environmentally friendly or "green" was of high concern. Whitman College's commitment to this philosophy is outlined here. The building committee planned the use of several "green components" in the new science building. Among these ideas was a high use of glass allowing the use of natural light as a lighting mechanism. This also had the benefit of being aesthetically pleasing giving the building an inviting, warm quality to it. A high utilization of sustainable materials was planned. One planned instance of this being the use of carpet made from recycled materials. Another enviromentally friendly system is the use of heat recovery, where heat from the air being expelled from the building is collected and used to add heat to the incoming air. One of the objectives in the design of the new science building was making the building as environmentally friendly as possible and the building committee actively explored ways to meet this goal.

Committee Members

Paul Yancey - Biology Department (Committee Chair)

Chuck Templeton - Chemistry Department (Faculty Liason)

Chuck Drabek - Biology Department

U.J. Sofia - Astronomy Department

Kevin Pogue - Geology Department

Fred Moore - Physics Department

Pat Keef - Dean of Faculty

Keiko Pitter - Chief Technology Officer

Dan Park - Director Physical Plant Services

Travis Watts - Member of Physical Plant Services (Project Engineer)

Peter Harvey - Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer