Lab Renovation: Painter Hall 2nd Floor

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University of Texas at Austin

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Austin, Texas

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9,038 SF

Collaborative teaching area of the UT Austin College of Natural Sciences Painter Hall featuring a modern, collaborative space. The area is not a classroom, but a casual and open instructive space with tables with bright green and blue chairs. Two women are seated and looking towards a third woman writing something on a white board on a wall with gray and white horizontal stripes. The space has a contemporary aesthetic with light-colored flooring, drop ceiling, and recessed lighting, embodying a dynamic academic environment.

Interior corridor of the renovated UT Austin College of Natural Sciences Painter Hall featuring a modern, collaborative space. On the left, a suspended panel display system combines colorful acrylic squares in blue, lime green, and white with photographs of students in laboratory settings. Behind the panels, students are seated in a conversation area with bright green chairs. The right wall features a striking design element with gray and white horizontal stripes and the repeating text 'DISCOVERY STARTS HERE' in light blue and white. A person in motion (slightly blurred) walks through the hallway, while in the distance another person can be seen working at a desk. The space has a contemporary aesthetic with light-colored flooring, drop ceiling, and recessed lighting, embodying a dynamic academic environment.

A modern scientific laboratory at UT Austin's College of Natural Sciences Painter Hall, featuring three researchers in white lab coats working at separate fume hoods labeled 'VENTURI'. The space has a professional layout with black countertops, wooden cabinetry, and white walls. In the foreground, an open reference book sits on a lab bench. Safety features are evident with flammable material storage cabinets (marked with yellow warning labels) and a fire extinguisher visible on the wall. The lab is well-lit with overhead fluorescent lighting and equipped with various scientific instruments. Bookshelves containing reference materials can be seen on the left wall, along with informational posters. The laboratory demonstrates a functional scientific workspace designed for chemical research and experimentation.

An active research laboratory at UT Austin's College of Natural Sciences Painter Hall. The spacious lab features a central island workspace with extensive glass shelving holding numerous beakers, flasks, and laboratory glassware. Four researchers in white lab coats are working at various stations - three are positioned at the central bench area conducting experiments or taking notes, while one person is slightly blurred in motion walking across the lab. The room has polished concrete floors, black laboratory benchtops, wooden cabinetry along the perimeter, and is well-lit with overhead fluorescent lighting. Laboratory equipment, including gas lines and electrical connections, hang from the ceiling. Windows along the right wall provide natural light. The organized space demonstrates an active, collaborative scientific research environment with ample equipment storage and multiple workstations.

BSA’s lab renovation at the University of Texas at Austin enhances hands-on learning and supports the nationally recognized Freshman Research Initiative (FRI). The FRI launched in the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) over ten years ago and has become a national model for science education. FRI’s success helped establish experiential learning as the cornerstone of undergraduate education in CNS. The program prepares the next generation of scientists and engaged citizens, fostering innovation and shaping the future of scientific discovery.

To support the growing impact of this program, BSA was selected to complete a second-floor renovation. This lab renovation significantly expands FRI’s capacity. Even more, the lab renovation enhances both functionality and flexibility, accommodating more students and faculty in dynamic research environments.

Approximately half of the research lab space required major upgrades. These upgrades included demolition, new casework, modern lighting, and the reworking or replacement of mechanical, electrical, and laboratory utility systems. Accordingly, the remaining lab space underwent minor renovations. This included casework refurbishment, fresh paint, updated lighting, and limited mechanical, electrical, and plumbing improvements.

The renovated facilities support hands-on learning and real-world scientific research for undergraduates. This directly aligns with the University’s mission to lead in STEM education and innovation.

Key features of the Painter Hall 2nd floor renovation include 4 new Freshman Research Initiative (FRI) teaching laboratories and 8 new research streams capable of supporting an additional 280 students. Finally, the project advances the mission of the college as it touches on three of the four major themes identified in the CNS Strategic Plan.

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Disciplines

Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design

Lab Renovation: Painter Hall 2nd Floor

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