May 29, 2025
Sustainability meets STEM in Pierce College’s new science building
By MADDIE OLSON
AHBL
Olson
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From the outset, the Johnson Science Building’s design team sought to create a facility that reflected Pierce College’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.
According to Sara Wilder, AIA, from Integrus Architecture, one of the guiding principles was “radical welcoming,” ensuring that the building and site were accessible and inviting to all students. This philosophy extended to sustainability as well, with the goal of creating an environmentally responsible structure that could serve as a model for future campus growth.
“A big part of the site design was about completing this green space open quad,” Wilder explained. “By making the building three stories, we were able to preserve more open space while also allowing for future campus expansion.”
The building’s location and compact footprint minimized its impact on the surrounding second-growth forest and nearby wetland. This careful planning preserved the natural landscape as much as possible and reinforced the connection between the built environment and ecological stewardship.
MANAGING STORMWATER AND PROTECTING RESOURCES
Stormwater management played a crucial role in the project’s sustainability efforts. AHBL’s civil engineering team developed innovative water management solutions to improve water quality and maintain the health of the wetland ecosystem adjacent to the site.
Project Engineer Bill Fierst shared, “The bioretention system in the parking area removes oils and pollutants from the stormwater before it’s discharged downstream.”
In addition to bioretention systems, the project incorporated rain gardens and underground detention chambers to further enhance water quality and reduce stormwater flow rates. “The rain gardens were not required but were added to treat roof runoff and help recharge groundwater,” Fierst said. “The detention system was also key in reducing stormwater flow rates before the water reaches the wetland.”
A BUILDING THAT ENHANCES LEARNING
One of the standout features of the Johnson Science Building is its integration of curriculum with the built environment. The site design intentionally connects students to nature and sustainability concepts, with outdoor spaces designated for hands-on learning.
“There’s a woodland side of the building where biology students can study ecological systems up close,” Wilder said. “On the other side, there’s a meadow and rain garden that highlight stormwater management strategies.”
The project also incorporates an outdoor ‘stumpery,’ a collection of nurse logs that serve as a learning environment for ecology students.
“This space isn’t just decorative,” said Matthew Bissen, principal at Integrus Architecture. “It serves as a scientific landscape where students can study and engage with their coursework.”
Inside the building, flexible lab spaces allow for evolving STEM curricula. A standout feature is the gravity lab, where students can conduct physics experiments involving free-fall and motion. “The building itself becomes a learning tool,” Wilder said. “There are spaces where students can do real-world experiments, like dropping objects from an upper level to study gravity.”
OVERCOMING SITE CONSTRAINTS
Developing a sustainable site within an active campus presented challenges. One major consideration was the site’s significant grade change an elevation drop of about 10 feet between the parking area and the quad.
“We worked the grade difference into the design rather than trying to fight it,” Wilder explained. “By embedding part of the building into the hillside, we reduced site disturbance and kept the project cost-effective.”
Fierst added, “Protecting the second-growth forest was challenging.” Existing trails and pathways were preserved wherever possible to maintain accessibility without encroaching further on natural areas. AHBL’s civil engineers also reused existing parking areas and fire lanes, minimizing impact to the forest, and reducing unnecessary expansion into green spaces.
COLLABORATION AND LONG-TERM IMPACT
The Johnson Science Building is the result of a highly collaborative process. AHBL worked closely with Integrus, landscape architects from Site Workshop, and the general contractor, Absher, to create a cohesive and sustainable site plan.
“We really worked together to figure out how to minimize the footprint and navigate the grade change in a way that made sense both environmentally and economically,” Wilder said.
The project is targeting LEED Gold certification, with sustainability strategies including energy-efficient systems, reduced irrigation and native landscaping. The selection of indigenous tree species also played a role in the building’s sustainability goals.
“These trees were chosen because they reflect Indigenous land management practices,” Bissen noted. “It was a conscious decision to acknowledge and integrate historical stewardship methods into the project.”
A MODEL FOR FUTURE STEM FACILITIES
Pierce College’s approach to integrating sustainability with STEM education sets an example for other institutions. As more colleges and universities expand their science programs, projects like the Johnson Science Building demonstrate how responsible design can enhance both learning and environmental conservation.
“I think it’s critical for campuses to preserve their natural character while growing,” Bissen said. “This project shows that you don’t have to sacrifice green space for development. You can design in a way that works with the landscape rather than against it.”
By balancing infrastructure needs with ecological preservation, the Johnson Science Building serves as a model for future higher education projects. Its emphasis on sustainable engineering, habitat conservation, and educational integration ensures that STEM education at Pierce College is not just about what happens inside the classroom, it is about how the entire campus environment supports learning and sustainability.
Maddie Olson is a marketing coordinator at AHBL, where she specializes in A/E content development and proposal coordination.
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