Stoffer Hall: An Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory
at Washburn University
Punit Jain, Cannon Design
Stoffer Hall is a multidisciplinary undergraduate
teaching laboratory, located at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas.
It was built in 1958 and like many science buildings that were built
during that period has come of age and needs updating, especially
of the engineering systems. The science buildings, in many instances,
also require additions to the existing structures, due to increase
in student enrollment. These scenarios pose not only many design
challenges but many opportunities, and Stoffer Hall is no exception.
This poster presentation will demonstrate design concepts that
successfully realized the programmatic and sustainable goals of
the client. The presentation will show how sustainable design strategies
will enhance the experience for both students and faculty. The presentation
will also show how this building will be more efficient for both
teaching and research activity (lab modules will have the capability
of being converted from research activities to more conventional
teaching use, and vice versa), how common spaces in the building
will foster interaction, learning, innovation and creativity and
how science on display through views into labs and display opportunities
in common areas will make learning a more rewarding experience.
Teaching labs that are designed to incorporate functions that are
more prevalent in research labs will promote undergraduate research,
and faculty offices that are located proximate to labs will encourage
student interaction with faculty.
The project, although not pursuing LEED® certification at this
point, is designed based on LEED principles and tracked as such.
Most of the existing building is reused, with a modest addition
that includes a vegetated roof. Daylight into both laboratories
and offices coupled with occupancy sensors will result in an overall
reduction in energy consumption. Views and stimulating colors and
low VOC materials will all make the laboratory a more comfortable
learning environment. Heat recovery will supplement the energy-efficient
mechanical design. Low flow fixtures and native landscape without
irrigation systems will conserve water. Salvaged stone exterior
from the north façade where the addition occurs will be used
on site walls.
Labs21 Connection:
An integrated design approach that included all disciplines and
the client has resulted in an efficient and sustainable project.
High performance and cutting edge systems combined with passive
design and resource reuse reflect the Labs21 Approach. The design
solution uses strategies that would achieve energy efficiency, human
comfort, easy maintenance, operation and management. The design
also allows for safety of its users and their research.
Biography:
Punit Jain received his Bachelor of Architecture from University
of Roorkee in India. He holds a Master of Architecture and a Masters
in Construction Management from Washington University in St. Louis.
With over fifteen years of experience in the practice of architecture
in India and the U.S., he is currently employed as an Associate
Vice President with Cannon Design, an international architectural,
engineering, and interior design firm. As a leader of the team dedicated
to researching technological and industry innovation and sustainability
in the field of science and research buildings, he is involved in
the design, research and planning of complex assignments. He has
extensive experience in designing public, education and healthcare
facilities.
Mr. Jain is a LEED accredited professional and chairs the St. Louis
Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council and the Heartland Regional
Council, which is comprised of fifteen chapters and affiliates in
the Heartland region. As the Heartland Regional Council Chair, Mr.
Jain represents the council on the USGBC chapter steering committee
and works directly with the USGBC National Board. As chapter chair,
he has established an advocacy program directed towards local governments,
institutes of higher education and building stakeholders to adopt
LEED. He is also the Sustainable Design Coordinator for the St.
Louis office of Cannon Design and is working on multiple LEED projects.
He is currently working on the Stoffer Hall Science Building for
Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Mr. Jain has also worked
on the Health Sciences Research building at St. Louis University,
the Biomedical Research Building at Kansas University Medical Center
and the Center for Applied Nanomedicine for Washington University
in St. Louis, all of which are under construction. His other project
experience includes the Kinesiology Research Center at University
of Calgary; the Biomedical Research Development Complex Project
at IIT Chicago; the New Mexico Highlands University Science and
Technology Building in Las Vegas, NV; and the Advanced Technology
Center at Florida Community College at Jacksonville, FL.
A Rotary Foundation Scholar and recipient of honor awards from
the National Institute of Architectural Education, New York, and
the American Institute of Architects, St. Louis, he has been invited
to present at professional conferences nationwide including Labs21,
MOBIO, and Greenbuild. He has served as a visiting design critic
at architecture schools and has also taught at the St. Louis Community
College and at Maryville University in St. Louis.
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