麻豆免费版下载Boulder debuts $33.5 million renovation to general chemistry labs
The recently completed project increases the number of labs from 12 to 14 and includes a multitude of modernization and safety improvements
The 麻豆免费版下载 Department of Chemistry recently debuted a new suite of general chemistry teaching labs in the Ekeley Sciences Building, part of a $33.5 million renovation project.听
While Ekeley has had some updates over the years, the building was originally constructed in 1898, and the general chemistry spaces needed many improvements related to modernization, eco-conscious updates and safety optimization, said Chris Marelli, director of the general chemistry teaching labs. Funding for the project came from a mix of sources including the President鈥檚 Initiative, campus cash reserves and bond debt.
Students participate in a chemistry class in one of the newly renovated lab spaces.
Designed with both functionality and flexibility in mind, these updated lab spaces blend advanced technology with intentional design, Marelli said. Technological upgrades include a video calling system that allows graduate teaching assistants a direct line to lab staff during emergencies, updated engineering controls for improved safety, new HVAC systems for increased air flow and new touch-control fume hoods for improved safety. Additionally, new lighting and new A/V systems with projectors and screens or widescreen TVs replaced chalkboards. These new A/V technologies bring more state-of-the-art teaching into the labs, Marelli said.
The addition of wheelchair-accessible workstations in seven labs creates spaces that are both adaptable and inclusive, while collaborative workstations further support active learning, Marelli said. Three adjacent help rooms were also added, which can be configured as separate spaces or combined into a larger instructional area to accommodate varying instructional needs.
鈥淎ll of the remodeling was completed with the goal of creating a better learning experience for students,鈥 Marelli said. 鈥淭hese updated facilities will benefit not just our chemistry majors but all arts and sciences students who enroll in an undergraduate chemistry lab.鈥
To support the goal of making hands-on general chemistry learning accessible to such a wide student population, the number of general chemistry labs was increased from 12 to 14 during the renovation, thanks to creative spatial redesigns, Marelli said. The renovation prioritized efficient usage of the existing building footprint while widening hallways for safer pedestrian traffic patterns during class changeover periods, relocating the three help rooms and integrating better storage solutions into the lab spaces.
鈥淲e were at maximum capacity in our labs before; we can now accommodate an additional 400 students, allowing room for us to continue to grow our program moving forward,鈥 Marelli said. The renovated labs will be able to accommodate an additional 1,000 students each year, he added.听
Construction on the renovated lab spaces began in December 2025 and was spearheaded by Adolfson & Peterson Construction (A&P). Marelli and two of the general chemistry lab coordinators, Avery Hatch and Estrella Lastre, participated in meetings with A&P to provide insight into how students would use the lab spaces and helped guide project decisions for the renovation.
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