Designed by CO Architects, The University of Pennsylvania’s New Complex Will Foster Transformative Collaboration Across Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, and Earth and Environmental Science Programs
The University of Pennsylvania’s Physical Sciences Building will have flexible, future-ready laboratories along with a network of shared spaces designed to foster community and collaboration. The project is also targeting LEED Silver Certification. Renderings courtesy CO Architects.
The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) has released renderings of its future Physical Sciences Building, a transformative addition to the institution’s science and engineering precinct. The project will unite advanced research laboratories and theoretical research environments with dynamic teaching spaces designed to foster discovery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and meet the evolving demands of mathematics and the physical sciences.
Designed by CO Architects, the new Physical Sciences Building includes 265,000 square feet of new construction along with the renovation and modernization of 85,000 square feet of existing space. The resulting complex will serve as a vibrant nexus for Penn’s Departments of Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, and Earth and Environmental Science.
“CO’s design vision prioritizes openness, daylight, and connectivity to inspire the next generation of scientists,” said James Simeo, FAIA, Principal at CO Architects. “By integrating sustainable systems, biophilic elements, and adaptable and flexible laboratory planning modules, the building will support frontier research while creating an inviting environment that encourages collaboration across disciplines and with the broader campus community.”
Penn’s University Architect, Mark Kocent, AIA, added, “We are delivering a building that meets the rigorous demands of modern physical sciences while it elevates the student and faculty experience for decades to come. It will be a welcoming, vibrant epicenter for discovery.”
The Physical Sciences Building’s program includes specialized teaching and research laboratories (including a teaching observatory), a range of general-assignment interactive classrooms, a science library, a maker space, faculty and administrative offices, theoretical research centers, a 120-seat departmental colloquium auditorium, and a series of large- , medium- , and small-scale communal and collaborative spaces designed to support interdisciplinary exchange.
Key Design Features
• Sustainable and resilience: Targeting LEED Silver certification, the building is designed with energy-efficient mechanical systems and enhanced environmental controls. Expansive glazing brings natural light deep into the building while reducing operational energy demands and strengthening connections to the surrounding landscape. The Physical Science Building’s primary entry and two-story lobby strengthen the connection between interior spaces and the adjacent Shoemaker Green, a treasured and expansive open landscape within the density of Penn’s urban campus in the heart of Philadelphia.
• Flexible, future-ready laboratories: Modular research environments are designed to support the continual evolution of scientific discovery, providing a highly adaptable framework capable of accommodating future advances in physics and astronomy, earth and environmental science, quantum research, computational modeling, climate science, and emerging disciplines yet to be defined. The building’s flexible infrastructure and reconfigurable laboratory planning position it to evolve alongside new technologies, interdisciplinary partnerships, and rapidly changing models of research for decades to come.
• Community and collaboration spaces: A diverse network of shared spaces throughout the new complex is designed to foster interaction, collaboration, and community among students, faculty, researchers, staff, and visitors. Enclosed meeting rooms equipped with video monitors and whiteboards will support focused discussions, teaching, and interdisciplinary research, while open collaboration areas with blackboards and informal work settings will encourage spontaneous exchange of ideas, problem-solving, and intellectual exploration.
At the heart of the building, the primary first-floor gathering space will function as a vibrant academic town square—a central destination where people can meet, study, collaborate, or pause between activities while enjoying expansive views to Shoemaker Green. Extending this sense of connection beyond the interior, outdoor seating areas adjacent to the main entrance will create an inviting public threshold between the building and campus landscape, while a fourth-floor terrace will offer dramatic views across the surrounding Penn campus, providing an elevated setting for informal gatherings, events, and moments of reflection. Together, these spaces are intended to support a culture of openness, visibility, and cross-disciplinary engagement throughout the building.
This project builds on University of Pennsylvania’s continued investment in the sciences, aligning with its commitment to research excellence, teaching, and sustainability. By integrating new construction with renovated facilities, the Physical Sciences Building will create a cohesive environment that extends opportunities for learning and discovery beyond traditional academic spaces, uniting teaching, departmental collaboration, and advanced research activities.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2028, with completion projected for 2031. In addition to CO Architects (Executive and Design Architect), the project team includes EwingCole (Local Architect).
About CO Architects
Los Angeles-based CO Architects is nationally recognized for architectural planning, programming, and design in the higher education, science and technology, and healthcare sectors, working with leading institutions from coast to coast. The firm’s expertise includes transformative schools of medicine and health professions, advanced research and teaching laboratories, and innovative clinical facilities on higher education, healthcare, and urban campuses. CO Architects has received more than 260 awards for innovative design and project delivery, including the American Institute of Architects California’s Architecture Firm of the Year Award.
