The Charles H. Townes Center for Science

“We will be able to use this more environmentally stable facility as a pedagogical tool. By studying the buildings’ energy use, sustainability processes and systems, and by examining the environmental impact of the science complex, students will observe first­hand the benefits of conservation and sustainable practices.”
—Bill Ranson, chair, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Sustainability issues and the overuse of the world's resources are a concern addressed in Furman University 's Strategic Plan. In keeping with Furman's commitment to sustainability, the complex is designed to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, which rates buildings based on the number of environmentally-friendly features they include.

LABS21 guidelines (dedicated to improving the environmental performance of U.S. laboratories) will be followed in the construction of the new buildings as well as in the renovation of Plyler Hall.

But more than simply adhering to LEED and LABS21 guidelines, our Townes Center for Science will become a pedagogical device itself. This living model of sustainability processes and systems will help students embrace conservation of resources, sustainable growth practices and the protection of our environment.

“I call the library reading room our Interdisciplinary Interaction Zone. It will be a place where computers and recent science journals are readily available; but rather than its being a deadly quiet place devoid of life and passion, faculty and students from all disciplines will be able to enter and celebrate science and .nd folks eager to brainstorm about new ideas, interdisciplinary grant strategies and the creation of new lab projects. My hope is that, when you enter the bubble, your gears will be set in the ‘engage and interact’ mode.”
—Lon Knight, chair, Chemistry

Another benefit of the new and expanded facilities is their proximity to Riley Hall, which houses departments of mathematics and computer science. This positioning will encourage interdisciplinary interaction and collaboration.

The new construction will add two buildings totaling 75,105 square feet to the existing 138,300 square-foot Plyler Hall.

The proposed timeline anticipates that construction will begin in the spring of 2006 and take place in two nine-to-twelve-month phases:

  • Phase 1: Construction of two new halls to provide space for earth and environmental sciences and physics (north hall) and chemistry and biology (south hall) and the renovation of the north end of Plyler Hall.
  • Phase 2: The renovation of the middle and south end of Plyler Hall to provide additional classroom, laboratory and office space, a science library and a ‘community concourse' for all four departments.