Yale University - Sterling Chemistry Lab and Undergraduate Science Center

The Sterling Chemistry Lab (SCL) Undergraduate Science Center project continues the realization of the Yale University Science Hill master plan.  By creating a central hub of undergraduate science teaching activities, teaching labs and classrooms for Chemistry, Biology (EEB, MCDB & MB&B) and Physics are combined into one building which share a dining hall, student lounge and fitness center social core.  Upper levels of the Undergraduate Center house research labs for Chemistry and Biology with separate meeting and social spaces.

SCL, originally built in 1923, has been the home of Chemistry teaching and research since its dedication.  This project retains the existing building's neo-gothic outer layer of offices and classrooms. Through a phased construction plan, it removes the outdated interior lab and support core replacing it with a state of the art lab and research facility.

The initial planning concept for the project assumes that the exterior load-bearing masonry envelope of the Sterling Chemistry Lab will be fully restored, while the one and one-half story interior core (constructed of steel frame) will be removed.  The resulting void has been carefully studied to maximize the efficiency of laboratory layouts while providing flexibility for the building's future.  The proposed design is organized into three five and one-half story laboratory blocks separated by double height social spaces.  The location of the social spaces aligns with key historic elevation/program spaces (lecture halls, library and entries).  In addition to serving as social hubs in the building, the double height spaces serve as light wells which allow diffused light into the labs. To achieve this preferred plan arrangement Kline Chemistry Lab (ca. 1962) will be removed.

The lower two floors of the addition infill will become teaching and support labs, which will align with the floors in the historic building housing the classrooms, library, shops and faculty offices.  In combination with the dining hall, study lounge and fitness center the goal of a unified Undergraduate Science Center is achieved.  The upper two and one-half floors house the more restricted research labs with their adjacent social spaces.  These levels connect with the adjacent Chemistry Research Building and complete a ring of research centered around the existing CRB courtyard.  The project will be realized in four phases to allow for uninterrupted operation of the teaching labs, research labs and classrooms.

Associate Architect/Laboratory Programming and Planning: Freelon
Architect of Record: Hammond Beeby Rupert Ainge Architects