EMMA J. LI
ARCHITECT, AIA, LEED GA, WELL AP
Butler University Science Center
A Large Expansion with Fibonacci
As academic trends and teaching methods evolve, Butler University wants to ensure their science facilities support today’s and future needs by creating spaces that encourage interdisciplinary and collaborative learning and research. This project will incorporate adaptability and flexibility for changing curricula and pedagogy. The facility will embody principles of stewardship of natural and university resources.
In nature, mathematics is ubiquitous. Many patterns in nature are seemingly derived from a basic mathematical order by which two consecutive numbers in a sequence are added together to yield the next number in the sequence
The 8:13 ratio – which can also be expressed as 1:1.618 – is often referred to as the golden ratio (or golden proportion,golden mean, even golden section). Two quantities are in the golden proportion if their ratio is the same as the ratio of their sum to the larger of the two quantities.
Gallahue Hall and Holcomb Hall were designed in an international style modern language in the 1970s to serve the sciences and business. The intent is to retain and enhance the existing architectural character during renovation. The building master plan proposes a more efficient use of space. Academic and research space will be connected and grouped by department. Connectivity will be enhanced by placement of active learning classrooms, the reinvented library and the new atria. Modular lab layouts will enhance flexibility and future adaptability. Research space will be open and shared.
