Newswise — Binghamton University, State University of New York, today launched construction of its new Engineering and Science building in a ceremony attended by elected officials, local leaders and University representatives. The facility will be located next to the Biotechnology Building, which is part of the University's Innovative Technologies Complex (ITC).
The $66 million, two-story glass, metal and stone building will accommodate the expansion of the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science. Adding about 125,000 square feet to the ITC, the new building will feature state-of-the-art, flexible research laboratory space, as well as suites for new business start-ups and offices that support the University's ongoing and expanding industry partnerships.
"We are grateful to Governor Paterson, Senator Libous and Assemblywoman Lupardo for their leadership and steadfast support," said Binghamton University President Lois B. DeFleur. "This is one of the largest projects the University has undertaken and will have significant impact on the education of our students and on the discoveries and innovative ideas of our faculty. Working through the SUNY Construction Fund and drawing from the expertise of our Physical Facilities department, the unique features of this state-of-the-art building will greatly strengthen and enhance our partnerships throughout the region and state."
Funding for the new building was obtained through the efforts of State Sen. Thomas W. Libous, R-Binghamton, and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, D-Endwell. It is estimated that the building will provide $112 million in economic impact and support over 1,500 jobs in the region during its construction.
The new building will house the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and the Integrated Electronics Engineering Center (IEEC). A large rotunda feature will connect the two ITC buildings, offering access to laboratories and fostering closer interactions between departments and the research centers currently housed in the Biotechnology facility.
"With one of the fastest growing programs in New York State, Binghamton is committed to providing high-quality education and research in the engineering and computer science fields," said Seshu Desu, dean of the Watson School. "By adding to the instructional and research infrastructure, this new building will greatly enhance the Watson School's efforts to attract and retain outstanding faculty, staff and students in order to further advance our national reputation."
Through in-house design, planning and construction management, the University has achieved savings that have been redirected to building construction and needed equipment. The building has been designed to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards, incorporating passive solar energy for heating, geothermal technology for heating and cooling the rotunda, energy-efficient windows and skylights to allow for maximum use of daylight and the latest technology for heat recovery and humidity control.
Several unique features will be incorporated so that some building systems, such as the mechanical systems driving the building's heating and cooling equipment, will remain accessible to serve as a teaching tool for engineering students. The design has also taken into consideration the nature of research to be conducted in the building. As a result, its mechanical equipment will be located in a tower structurally separated from the building so vibrations do not adversely affect specialized laboratories and research.
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