Western Carolina University
Tom Apodaca Science Building
Cullowhee, NC
Lord Aeck Sargent is designing a new STEM building for Western Carolina University.
The building replaces the existing 1970s Natural Sciences Building, which no longer meets Western’s space needs nor supports its goal of active, discovery-based learning and engaging all science majors in research.
The Apodaca Science Building will be connected to the adjacent Stillwell Science Building and will incorporate interdisciplinary teaching and research labs, active learning classrooms, faculty offices and informal learning spaces. Sustainable design strategies and the philosophy of “putting Science on Display” are guiding principles for the design team. The building’s overall design is inspired directly by the unique history, culture and climate of mountainous western North Carolina including the influence of the Cherokee civilization.
