Rivier University New Science Building Design
Rivier University, Nashua, NH |
| ||
As part of an architect-led team, Stahl Sheaffer provided structural engineering services for the design of a new science and innovation center at Rivier University in Nashua, NH, as part of the university’s Vision 2020 initiative to transform the university and student experience. The new building serves as a learning and innovation space, featuring laboratories, classrooms, and collaborative spaces for faculty and student research.
|
The project team coordinated to incorporate the design of a two-story open atrium at the student lounge that extends to a primary corridor and balcony on the second floor. The building houses offices, classrooms, lounge, and collaboration areas with a main corridor on the first and second floors that tie into the laboratory wing on the east side.
The building was designed using a structural steel superstructure over concrete piers and shallow foundations. The building incorporates moment frames as the lateral force resisting system to allow large open bays and to facilitate large interior windows in the main corridors to provide visibility into laboratory areas. Large 40’ x 30’ column grid spacings at laboratory areas eliminated column obstructions. Exposed round tube steel columns and regular roof beam spacing with acoustical deck were utilized at the two-story atrium space to support a wrapping curtainwall around main entrance area and maintain a clean exposed structure. Sloped roof framing and roof steps around the glass clad atrium also serve as a focal point to the building and the university.
|
|