The University of Arizona on Friday celebrated the completed renovation of the Chemistry Building and the unveiling of The Commons, a new building dedicated to collaborative learning.
University President Robert C. Robbins said the renovation and construction project is part of the university's mission to adapt to the future needs of UArizona students and the state of Arizona as a whole.
"We are investing in initiatives that encourage active teaching and learning practices," he said during a renovation and unveiling ceremony for the two facilities. "This makes students more engaged and means that every student that graduates from the University of Arizona has key confidences and enhanced skills that they can bring into the workforce and that prepare them for life."
The facilities together total 78,600 square feet. The $42 million project, which broke ground in 2021, was designed by Shepley Bulfinch, built by Sundt Construction, and managed for the university by Planning, Design and Construction. The Chemistry Building was originally built by Sundt in 1936 and was designed by then-UArizona chief architect Roy Place.
Affectionately known as Old Chem, the building will now house departmental and advising offices; numerous workspaces for Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry faculty; renovated space for nuclear magnetic resonance equipment and electronic and metal shops; a new general education office; and three teaching studios for online instruction.
Old Chem and The Commons are also home to seven collaborative classrooms designed to encourage cooperation, inclusive practices and active learning to increase student and faculty engagement and help students develop workplace-relevant skills.
Accessibility was a major driving force in project design, leading to a new accessible entry atrium on the building's north side, as well as a common lobby in the center of the building with new elevators and accessible restrooms. The classroom layouts also ensure that anyone can participate in class from nearly anywhere in the room.
"Considering the starting footprint of Old Chem, with traditional classroom designs and large lecture halls, this required incredible creativity and an immense amount of work from the design and build teams," said Eric Bell, a physical access consultant with the university's Disability Resource Center, who spoke during Friday's ceremony. "This building represents what we can do when we design with accessibility and inclusion not just as an element, but truly as a focal point."
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Liesl Folks and Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning Gail Burd also spoke at the event.