Abilene Christian University Onstead Science Center and Halbert-Walling Research Center
Abilene Christian University leaders had long dreamed of a new kind of academic building to support the study and advancement of the sciences. They imagined creating a sought-after destination where students would feel empowered to collaborate and explore; a place where curiosity could reign and innovation could take hold.
Our design of the Onstead Science Center and the Halbert-Walling Research Center made that dream—and that destination—a reality. The Science Center allows the university to showcase its latest work while providing an academic environment ripe for scientific immersion. The Research Center fosters a learning culture that embraces discovery and outside-the-box thinking.
Today, both Centers elevate Abilene Christian University’s academic reputation, helping to attract an even greater number of talented students and faculty members.
Dr. Phil Schubert, ACU President
The atrium serves as an extension of the exterior park space connecting students and faculty to nature while sitting in group and individual seating zones at multiple levels. Science labs and classrooms have been positioned around the central core; windows on both interior and exterior provide students with natural lighting throughout the day.
Two large interior terraces overlook the atrium and provide more collaboration areas. Throughout the building, science is on display with substantial interior glazing opportunities, providing a glimpse into every teaching lab environment from the public corridors.
