MCCC Science Center Renovations

MCCC Science Center Renovations

SFA collaborated with MCCC to retrofit an existing 1970’s science building with contemporary STEM and theater programs. A primary goal of the renovation was to dissolve the lengths of the existing block partitions to put learning on display and transform once labyrinthine corridors into spaces for interaction.

Project Details

  • Client Montgomery County Community College
  • Use Higher Education - STEM
  • Sq. ft. 132,000
  • Completed 2020

MCCC Science Center Renovations

SFA collaborated with MCCC to retrofit an existing 1970’s science building with contemporary STEM and theater programs. A primary goal of the renovation was to dissolve the lengths of the existing block partitions to put learning on display and transform once labyrinthine corridors into spaces for interaction. Our team removed block walls and replaced them with glass to increase visibility in the STEM spaces. We also designed break-out spaces for students to collaborate and gather outside…

SFA collaborated with MCCC to retrofit an existing 1970’s science building with contemporary STEM and theater programs. A primary goal of the renovation was to dissolve the lengths of the existing block partitions to put learning on display and transform once labyrinthine corridors into spaces for interaction. Our team removed block walls and replaced them with glass to increase visibility in the STEM spaces. We also designed break-out spaces for students to collaborate and gather outside of the classroom. MCCC’s Science Center includes science and engineering teaching labs, a large 350-seat theater, a small black box theater, music practice rooms, classrooms and lecture halls, an engineering fabrication lab, offices, and various support spaces.

The building remained occupied during construction, and work was completed in a phased approach that will included a complete upgrade of all building systems to meet ADA requirements, a number of architectural and mechanical modifications to the existing lab and faculty office space, the removal and replacement of the HVAC and control systems, updated LED lighting throughout along with a completely new theatrical lighting system, replacement of the existing plumbing equipment and piping systems, a new sprinkler system for fire protection.