Cutting Edge Science Center Debuts at Lycoming College
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — The new 31,500-square-foot Lynn Science Center at Lycoming College in Williamsport is now open for classes. The three-story building, which connects to the existing Heim Science Building, is the first new academic facility built on the Lycoming College campus in 25 years, according to project designer BHDP Architecture of Columbus, Ohio.
The $8 million building provides state-of-the-art learning environments for current students and will be a helpful tool in future recruiting. A 35-foot domed planetarium serves as the facility’s focal point and features a modern digital projection system. Education and research will take place within the new astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology and physics classrooms and research laboratories, while group study spaces, an atrium, offices and support spaces are also included. A rain garden, completed in partnership with landscape architect Derck & Edson of Lititz, Pa., extends learning outdoors and provides a green space for students, faculty and visitors, according to a statement by BHDP Architecture.
“[The Lynn Science Center] has revolutionized what we do in the department of astronomy and physics,” said Dr. Christopher Kulp, associate professor of physics and astronomy at Lycoming College, in a statement. “Designed to facilitate collaboration, faculty can easily work with each other and students in the classroom and the lab. The flexibility of our new space ensures that we can use the latest teaching and research methods. We look forward to the exciting new opportunities that the Lynn Science Center will enable us to pursue.”
“It was a joy to work with Lycoming College on their new facility, which blends the architectural facade with Lycoming’s Georgian campus and integrates the newest technologies to advance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) learning,” said Giancarlo Del Vita, design leader with BHDP and principal architect for the project, in a statement. “The building’s design is a physical testament to the college’s vision to provide a contextual, inviting, flexible and cutting-edge learning environment for current and prospective students. We are proud to have served this great university with such a rewarding project.”
The new interactive and multi-curricular facility will not only serve Lycoming’s students and faculty, but also benefit the greater Williamsport community as the college is developing learning and discovery programs in collaboration with the area’s school districts, according to a statement by the college.
Construction on the Lynn Science Center began in June 2014 and was completed earlier this fall. The center was named for the college’s Board Chair Peter Lynn, who together with wife Joyce Lynn made a substantial donation to the project.