Butler University Sciences Complex Addition and Renovation

Back To Projects

Butler University

•

Indianapolis, Indiana

•

265,000 SF

This image shows the exterior of the Butler Sciences Complex. The architecture features a blend of contemporary design elements, with a prominent glass curtain wall in the center section that creates a transparent atrium or entrance area. This glass façade reflects the blue sky and surrounding environment. The building has a beige/tan concrete or stone exterior on either side of the glass section, with regularly spaced windows. There's a formal entrance with white stairs and metal railings leading up to the building. The landscaping around the building is well-maintained, with a manicured lawn in the foreground, freshly planted garden beds with young plants near the entrance, and a mature shade tree on the left side providing some natural contrast to the architectural elements.

A view from the third floor overlooking a spacious, modern atrium at Butler University's Sciences Center featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for ample natural light. The space includes various seating options, such as yellow and blue chairs, lounge furniture, and blue, teal, and yellow ottomans. Students are engaged in study and conversation. The interior design incorporates blue carpeting, white columns, and wood-accented ceilings, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere for learning and collaboration.

This image shows a modern academic space within the Butler University Sciences Complex with multiple functional areas. In the background is an enclosed classroom with glass walls, so the interior is visible from the common area. Closer to the camera is a gathering space with modern, bright yellow chairs, teal ottomans, circular grey tables with three glue and grey office style chairs against a dramatic royal blue wall. The space features distinctive flooring types signifying the boundaries of the different areas. The space has a dropped ceiling with recessed lighting. The overall design combines open collaborative spaces with classrooms in a contemporary academic environment.

This image shows a modern academic space within the Butler University Sciences Complex with multiple functional areas. On the right side is an enclosed classroom with glass walls, making the interior of the room visible. Beyond the glass walls of the classroom is a multi-colored vertically textured mural in shades of yellow, red, green, and blue. The classroom has rows of white tables with two grey and blue office chairs at each table. Outside on the left side of the photo are two sets of modern, bright yellow chairs. The center is a hallway with laminate grey flooring. The space has a dropped ceiling with recessed lighting. The overall design combines open collaborative spaces with classrooms in a contemporary academic environment.

This image shows a modern academic space within the Butler University Sciences Complex with multiple functional areas. On the left side are two sets of tables, each with four blue and grey office chairs. Behind these tables are library-style bookshelves. On the right side are sets of modern blue accent chairs situated around a blue and grey ottoman. The room has a dropped ceiling with recessed lighting and gray carpeted flooring throughout. The overall design combines open collaborative spaces with more private work areas in a contemporary academic environment.

This image shows a modern academic space within the Butler University Sciences Complex with multiple functional areas. On the left side, there are cubicle-style workstations with blue dividers where a person with long hair is working at a computer. In the center background, there's a collaborative table area with white chairs where people appear to be studying near large windows that provide natural light and views of trees outside. On the right side, bookshelves are visible with a person browsing through books. The space features distinctive blue decorative panels with geometric patterns that serve as room dividers. The room has a dropped ceiling with recessed lighting and gray carpeted flooring throughout. The overall design combines open collaborative spaces with more private work areas in a contemporary academic environment.

The image shows a modern collaborative study area with bright yellow walls. A large whiteboard on the wall displays notes about a

A modern classroom with multiple sets of tables arranged in

The lab is well-lit, with clean black countertops. Atop the countertops is highly technical equipment and machines standard for a science laboratory. Open shelving above the counters holds holding various lab equipment and chemical containers. A student in a white lab coat is washing her hands at the far right sink, and an older man in a lab coat, presumably a professor, is approaching her. Large windows in the background allow natural light to enter, showing a view of trees.

This image shows the exterior of the Butler Sciences Complex from the view of a distant drone. The architecture features a blend of contemporary design elements, with a prominent glass curtain wall in the center section that creates a transparent atrium or entrance area. This glass façade reflects the blue sky and surrounding environment. The building has a beige/tan concrete or stone exterior on either side of the glass section, with regularly spaced windows. There's a formal entrance with white stairs and metal railings leading up to the building. The building is surrounded on all sides by dense, green trees and these dense trees continue all the way to the horizon line.

As academic building design and teaching methods evolve, the Butler University Sciences Complex facility meets both current and future needs. By creating interdisciplinary and collaborative learning environments, the university fosters innovation and adaptability. This project integrates flexible interior design that accommodates changing curricula and pedagogical advancements while promoting sustainable building design and responsible stewardship of natural and university resources.

Originally designed in the 1970s in an international-style modern language, Gallahue Hall and Holcomb Building have long supported science and business education. The renovation, led by BSA, preserves and enhances the existing architectural character while upgrading functionality.

The Butler University Sciences Complex building master plan optimizes space efficiency by grouping academic and research spaces by department. The design strengthens connectivity and collaboration through strategically placed active learning classrooms, a reinvented library, and new atria. Modular lab interior design increases flexibility, ensuring future adaptability. The research spaces encourage openness and collaboration. In summary, this space reinforces Butler University’s commitment spaces that support innovation in higher education interior design.

Finally, key features of the Butler University Sciences Complex include:

12 active learning classrooms ranging from 24 – 100 students
Teaching and research laboratories
Offices
Science library
Common spaces for collaboration and study
Glass enclosed atria
Connection between two buildings for a unified science complex
International style modern character to be maintained and enhanced

View other Learning projects. View other Discovery projects.

Disciplines

Architecture, Interior Design, Planning

Awards

2023 – USGBC East North Central Leadership Award: Green Building of the Year, Honorable Mention; 2024 – Indy Chamber Monumental Award: Interior Design, Merit Award

Sciences Complex Addition and Expansion

Download the story

Butler University Sciences Complex Addition and Renovation

See How We Can Help With Your Next Project.