Agricultural and Research Facility: Uniting Disciplines Under One Roof

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Purdue University

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West Lafayette, Indiana

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123,000 SF

A view of the modern, multi-level lobby in the Hobart and Russell Creighton Hall of Animal Sciences from deeper inside the building. From this view, the striking glass and metal staircase in the atrium with a person ascending is still visible. The bright, open space includes a seating area with vibrant green chairs on grey carpet, distinguished from a tile walkway. There are wood-paneled accent walls that tie in the agricultural studies that happen within the building. The design combines contemporary architectural elements with comfortable collaborative spaces for students and faculty.

A view from the second floor of modern, multi-level lobby in the Hobart and Russell Creighton Hall of Animal Sciences featuring a striking glass and metal staircase coming up to a common area with bright green furniture. The bright, open space includes a seating area with vibrant green chairs around a white circular table. Natural light floods through floor-to-ceiling windows, complementing the wood-paneled accent walls and green tile wall with a television. The design combines contemporary architectural elements with comfortable collaborative spaces for students and faculty.

This inviting hallway within the Hobart and Russell Creighton Hall of Animal Sciences and the Land O’Lakes Center for Experiential Learning Complex blends modern design with educational purpose. A prominent mural on the wall combines ancient cave art of horses or cattle with scientific formulas, DNA strands, and symbols, symbolizing the intersection of biology, history, and innovation. Sleek, stone-colored modular seating rests below the mural, providing a comfortable and informal space for students and visitors. The corridor is well-lit with recessed LED lighting, and soft wood and green accent elements create a calming atmosphere. In the background, a study nook with green chairs offers a quiet retreat, while glass-walled rooms and staircases suggest connectivity and openness throughout the building.

This modern laboratory classroom is located within the Hobart and Russell Creighton Hall of Animal Sciences and the Land O'Lakes Center for Experiential Learning Complex. The space is designed for hands-on learning in animal and life sciences, featuring rows of black-topped laboratory tables equipped with individual microscopes and ergonomic chairs. A mounted large animal skeleton stands as a central teaching aid at the front of the room, reinforcing the classroom’s focus on anatomy and veterinary science. Clean lines, bright LED lighting, and a polished concrete floor create a functional yet contemporary academic environment. Shelving with additional microscopes and laboratory equipment along the walls enhances the space’s utility for research and instruction.

Aerial view of the Hobart and Russell Creighton Hall of Animal Sciences complex featuring a modern brick and concrete building with large glass entrances and window panels. The facility is surrounded by landscaped green spaces with newly planted trees, concrete walking paths, and a bicycle parking area. Students can be seen walking and cycling along the pathways under a clear blue sky. The architectural design combines traditional red brick with contemporary concrete elements and large windows, creating an inviting academic environment on campus.

Exterior view of the Hobart and Russell Creighton Hall of Animal Sciences complex featuring a modern brick and concrete building with large glass entrances and window panels. The facility is surrounded by landscaped green spaces with newly planted trees, concrete walking paths, and a bicycle parking area.

BSA’s top architects, engineers, and interior designers crafted a cutting-edge agricultural and research facility at Purdue University. The design of this space incorporates lab interior design, academic building design, and science and technology architecture under one roof. The Hobart and Russell Creighton Hall of Animal Sciences and the Land O’Lakes Center for Experiential Learning Complex focuses on food safety, animal safety, and animal science and behavior.

This state-of-the-art agricultural and research facility creates a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and interdisciplinary engagement. With research spanning food production, human health, and global impact, the space supports solutions that serve Indiana and beyond.

The complex includes advanced research and teaching labs, a USDA-inspected meat lab, live animal spaces, classrooms, offices, and dedicated areas supported by USDA and state partners.

For the first time, the entire Department of Animal Sciences is housed under one roof—supporting growth, flexibility, and daily interaction between students and researchers. A strong physical identity honors the department’s people, history, and global contributions in agriculture and animal science.

Key features of the space include:

More space to support rapidly growing undergraduate and graduate enrollment
Technology-rich teaching and learning environments
Animal sciences teaching laboratories and certified meat lab
Flexible boundaries in research laboratories and adaptable furnishings
Vivarium to accommodate large range of species and housing types
Research laboratory facilities to support computational, molecular science and interdisciplinary needs
Space for state agencies and international collaborators

View other Learning projects. View other Discovery projects.

Disciplines

Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design

Awards

2019 IIDA – Indiana Chapter IDEA Award: Higher Education – New Construction

Agricultural and Research Facility: Uniting Disciplines Under One Roof

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