College of Science and Engineering, Innovation Center - San Francisco State University

The new Science and Engineering Innovation Center (SEIC) introduces a unique interdisciplinary hub for chemistry, civil, structural engineering, mechatronics, and robotics with integrated applied teaching spaces, research laboratories, and collaboration areas.  These highly visible and accessible experiential learning environments throughout the building invite curiosity and interdisciplinary exchange amongst all STEM programs. Designed to empower the next generation of STEM leaders and increase opportunities - particularly for students from underserved backgrounds – the center cultivates belonging and academic persistence with expanded research and career opportunities, ensuring a thriving STEM learning community.  

The design balances a five-story structure within two wings, with an elegant central core of fully glazed angular facade along 19th Avenue that creates an inviting entry to the campus and a symbolic “heart” of the college. Inside, a feature stairwell and elevators lead to dynamic engagement spaces for students and faculty. The heart space serves as a vital connector of teaching and research at all levels with space resources to nurture academic persistence. Each floor incorporates thematic colors for wayfinding while inviting study and collaboration areas provide comfortable furnishings, natural light and panoramic views at every floor. Gracious corridors add seating and glass markerboards to enrich engagement and foster impromptu interactions. 

Other featured spaces include the Ken Fong and Willie Brown Jr. Collaborative Commons, a 100- person active learning space with flexible configurations and advanced audio-visual technology for optimized view angles. The second floor includes chemistry teaching lecture/labs, reflecting modern teaching styles with seamless transition from didactic to hands-on learning. Fume hoods are located on interior walls to allow for large windows along the perimeter. Upper floor labs were planned within a module system with intentional placement of MEP and structural grids that enable ease of lab adaptation for teaching and research in chemistry and engineering. The top floor connects the college’s Dean’s suite with the Center for Professional and Global Education’s (CPaGE) classrooms and offices. 

Landscape design enhances accessibility with gentle sloping pathways and diverse plantings and grassy berms that address grade changes and shape natural boundaries. As a sustainability success story, the design transforms the original science hall while simultaneously introducing an all-electric facility with a highly efficient envelope, a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS), and water saving strategies - earning USGBC LEED NC Gold Certification.