What if I told you that this building before you, the Edison-Lecks Science Building, is more than just brick and mortar? It is a place of evolution. It embodies Brandeis University’s commitment to scientific advancement.
The Edison-Lecks Science Building stands as a testament to Brandeis’ dedication to inquiry. It is a place for scholarship. It fosters collaboration. It showcases a passion to improve human lives. Inside, students learn persistence. They develop creativity. They embrace collaboration and critical thinking. Here, discovery is a joy.
But the Edison-Lecks Science Building has been evolving. Plans are underway to transform the science facilities here. The changes will add space for new labs. There will be state-of-the-art classrooms. A maker space is coming to the Brandeis campus.
This expansion will bolster recruitment of top faculty and students. It will strengthen Brandeis’ position as a leader in scientific advances. Interdisciplinary connections across campus will be enhanced. President Ron Liebowitz believes these changes will create a welcoming environment. He anticipates life-changing discoveries and world-changing scientists emerging from this revitalized Science Complex.
These new facilities will also expand capacity in applied sciences. This is key to introducing a new engineering science program at Brandeis. The program was approved in 2021. It is anticipated to launch by the 2026-27 academic year.
The project, known as Science 2A, is the second phase of an overhaul of campus science facilities. It started with the construction of the Shapiro Science Center in 2009. The new building will include flexible research labs and learning spaces. The maker lab space will expand the current Brandeis MakerLab capabilities. The five-story building will be located adjacent to the Shapiro Science Center. It will connect to the SSC atrium.
The project includes a partial renovation of Gerstenzang Science Library. The upper floors of the Edison-Lecks Science Building will be removed. The Science Complex outdoor space, known as “Red Square”, will become green space with walking paths. These changes aim to create accessible pathways. The landscaping will be more inviting. This will be a place to connect.
Conceptual planning began in February 2021. The university hired Payette to create initial concepts. Throughout planning, the Science 2A project is governed by a project sponsor group. Stew Uretsky, the executive vice president for finance and administration co-chairs it.
Bulbul Chakraborty, the Enid and Nate Ancell Professor of Physics, is head of the Division of Science. She looks forward to a deeply collaborative process as the design takes shape.
The construction plans would create additional space for wet labs, facilities, classrooms and a maker space. Some of Science 2A will involve renovating existing spaces on campus. The building will be five stories.
The estimated budget is $145 million for the project. The intent of the new facilities is to bolster the recruitment and retention of top faculty and students. It will strengthen Brandeis’ position as a leader in scientific advances. It will enhance interdisciplinary connections across campus.
The Edison-Lecks Science Building is not just a structure. It’s a dynamic environment. It is where minds meet, ideas spark, and futures are shaped. As you explore this space, remember you are walking through a hub of innovation.