LS3P designed a new STEM building for Western Carolina University in partnership with Lord Aeck Sargent. The building replaces the existing 1970’s Natural Sciences Building, which no longer met Western’s space needs or supported its goals of active, discovery-based learning and engaging all science majors in research.

The STEM building is connected to the adjacent Stillwell Science Building and incorporates interdisciplinary teaching and research labs, active learning classrooms, faculty offices, and informal learning spaces. Sustainable design strategies and the philosophy of “putting science on display” were guiding principles for the design team. The building’s overall design is inspired directly by the unique history, culture and climate of mountainous western North Carolina including the influence of the Cherokee civilization.