University of St. Thomas

New Schoenecker Center for STEAM Education

Exterior rendering of the facility from Grand Ave.
Rendering of the main atrium with branded furniture and open views to all floors.
Rendering of one of the student collaboration spaces with access to daylight and a variety of furniture options.
Exterior rendering of the new facility from Summit Ave.
A link space between two buildings that serves as both circulation and impromptu study areas.
Rendering of the instrument rehearsal room with clerestory winows.
Rendering of the chorale hall with floor to ceiling arches that allow views into and out of the space.
Rendering of a news media room for students to practice interviewing and running technology.

University of St. Thomas

New Schoenecker Center for STEAM Education

Saint Paul, Minn.

The University of St. Thomas’s new Schoenecker Center for STEAM education, now in design, has a unique program, combining science and engineering spaces with liberal arts programs and significant student and faculty collaboration space. It provides more program space for many disciplines, while also changing and enhancing use patterns, gathering points, and circulation on the south campus.

The client and design team developed a number of guiding principles for this STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) project, including Inclusive, Innovative, Adaptable, Connected, and Sustainable. Working with the University and their office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), BWBR developed the Inclusive guiding principle and process and incorporated it into the overall building design. The Sustainable guiding principle is most directly addressed through the pursuit of LEED v4 Gold certification. LEED offers related pilot credits and the project plans to pursue Inclusive Design and Social Equity within the community pilot credits.

Designed in collaboration with design architect, RAMSA, and design-build partner, McGough Construction.

Size: 117,000 sq. ft.

Components: Flexible and collaborative workspaces; two-story engineering bay with 20-foot crane for structural testing; labs for robotics, physics, biology, and chemistry; music rehearsal space that can accommodate a 100-piece orchestra; two-story chorale performance space for up to 150 people; emerging media program with newsroom and studios; art gallery; atrium; cafeteria

Scheduled Completion: 2024