A New Nexus for Scientific Discovery
A new interdisciplinary research and teaching complex brings together cutting-edge laboratories, collaborative learning environments, and flexible academic spaces to support the future of science.
Physical Sciences Building
Philadelphia, PA
The University of Pennsylvania is a global research institution known for advancing knowledge through interdisciplinary scholarship, teaching, and scientific discovery. As Penn continues to invest in the physical sciences, the university identified the need to replace and modernize portions of the David Rittenhouse Laboratory, a 1950s-era facility that can no longer fully support the demands of contemporary research and education.
The new Physical Sciences Building creates a cohesive academic and research environment for the Departments of Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, and Earth and Environmental Science. The approximately 325,000-square-foot complex combines new construction with renovated facilities, bringing previously separated programs together while creating new opportunities for interaction among students, faculty, researchers, and visiting scholars. CO Architects serves as executive and design architect, with EwingCole as associate architect.
Designed for Discovery
The building combines specialized teaching and research laboratories, theoretical research centers, interactive classrooms, a science library, maker spaces, faculty offices, and a 120-seat colloquium auditorium. Flexible laboratory modules and adaptable infrastructure enable spaces to evolve alongside emerging fields such as quantum science, computational modeling, climate research, and future disciplines yet to be defined.
A diverse mix of formal and informal collaboration spaces encourages interaction among students, faculty, researchers, and visitors. Meeting rooms, open work areas, and shared gathering spaces support both structured collaboration and spontaneous exchange of ideas. At the center of the complex, a large first-floor commons functions as an academic town square, creating a welcoming destination for study, discussion, and community.
Connecting Campus and Community
The architecture emphasizes openness, daylight, and connection to the surrounding campus. Shared gathering spaces establish places for students, researchers, and faculty to meet and work outside formal academic settings, strengthening interdisciplinary connections throughout the building. The primary entrance and two-story lobby open toward Shoemaker Green, extending activity into the campus landscape, while outdoor gathering areas further connect the sciences with daily campus life.
The University of Pennsylvania Physical Sciences Building also advances the university’s sustainability goals through energy-efficient building systems, enhanced environmental controls, and daylighting strategies. Adaptable planning and infrastructure provide additional flexibility as technologies, research priorities, and interdisciplinary partnerships evolve.
By combining advanced research environments with teaching, collaboration, and community spaces, the project creates a new center for the physical sciences at Penn. The integration of new construction with renovated facilities revitalizes an important part of the university’s historic campus while providing a flexible foundation for future generations of scientific research and education.
