STEM LAB FEASIBILITY STUDY | BARBERMCMURRY ARCHITECTS
SECTOR: EducationTYPE: New constructionBUILDING AREA: 105,000SF new constructionCURRENT PHASE/ESTIMATED COMPLETION: On holdROLE: Conducted a feasibility study and produced marketing materials for a future advanced STEM lab. Responsibilities included developing the program and program floorplans, preliminary site analysis and design, conducting client meetings, conducting precedent activities with current students, and compiling marketing/presentation documents.The proposed two-story STEM lab would be a shining star of STEM education in the local school system and all of East Tennessee. A facility of this nature would allow for a deeper dive into these areas of study and an increased emphasis on preparing students for careers in the STEM fields. Beyond the academic calendar, the facility would also provide opportunities for annual STEM conferences, AP Summer Institute Educator Training, KMA summer programming, and collaborative events with regional research laboratories
The new facility would serve as a focal point at the north end of World's Fair Park, offering both a beacon of modernity, and a connection to the historic roots of the school.
One aspect of the feasibility study included programmatic "test fits" - visual examples that take abstract spreadsheet lines and transform them into 3d typicals. This tool is critical in bridging the gap for clients with minimal construction project or spatial visualization experience.
Level one of the proposed STEM facility includes a large flex space that can serve as auditorium, exhibition space, and impromptu classroom; an updated robotics lab, and a large lobby into which the exhibit space can overflow.
Level Two would feature a state-of-the-art nuclear energy and data science labs.