Project Profile: The Applied Research Center at Florida Polytechnic University
The Applied Research Center (ARC) at Florida Polytechnic University, a striking addition to the campus, showcases cutting-edge research and technology. All images: Courtesy of HOK
The Applied Research Center (ARC) at Florida Polytechnic University is a pivotal addition to the campus, designed to support the university’s growing student population and enhance its academic programs. As the hub for applied research, the 95,000-sf building integrates research spaces, teaching labs, student design areas, conference rooms, and faculty offices. Its innovative design complements the iconic Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Building by Santiago Calatrava while establishing its own architectural identity of functionality and elegance. Strategically located to create a pedestrian-friendly campus, the ARC connects students and faculty through walking paths, visual links, and a thoughtfully organized site plan.
Construction cost was $36.8 million. HOK provided architecture, interior design, lab planning and programming services. The facility was completed in May 2022.
The ARC’s design emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and transparency, reflecting the cutting-edge research and technology housed within. A multistory, daylit atrium serves as the building’s central hub, framed by two linear bars of high-performance academic spaces that allow natural light into labs and classrooms. This central zone fosters informal interactions and supports teaching and research activities while adapting to future needs.
Lab Design News spoke to Chris Patterson, senior project architect for HOK, about how the ARC not only showcases Florida Poly’s commitment to innovation but also catalyzes industry partnerships and investment, establishing itself as a cornerstone of Central Florida’s research ecosystem.
Natural light floods the teaching labs (such as this physics lab) and classrooms, designed for flexibility and future adaptability.
Q: What was the need for this facility? Is it replacing an outdated existing facility or accommodating new research/ a new program?
A: The Applied Research Center (ARC) will play a pivotal role in expanding academic program offerings and resources to support Florida Polytechnic University’s growing student population. The dynamic, flexible space will promote the growth of research, entrepreneurship, collaboration and connectivity across the campus.
As the campus home of applied research, the building houses research space, teaching labs, student design areas, conference rooms, and faculty offices.
The design of the two-story building complements the existing Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Building designed by Santiago Calatrava while standing out architecturally as a symbol of functionality and elegance. Located to the west of the IST Building, the ARC creates a pedestrian-friendly campus through walking paths, visual connections, and an efficient site plan.
Q: What kinds of sustainability initiatives have been included in the design plan? Is the facility pursuing LEED certification or something similar?
A: Anticipating LEED Silver. The project includes a chilled beam HVAC system which reduces the energy load of the building over more traditional forced air systems.
The multistory, daylit atrium serves as the central hub for collaboration and innovation within the ARC.
Q: Is there anything particularly unique or groundbreaking about your facility or the design plan?
A: The ARC’s dramatic building form embodies the high-tech, collaborative activities happening inside. The transparent environment showcases Florida Poly’s research and technology to inspire students and educators.
The design organizes internal functions to provide natural light in lab spaces and classrooms. Two linear bars of high-performance academic space frame a multistory, daylit atrium that provides a place for students and faculty to come together informally and explore new horizons in their studies. This centralized zone activates the building and organizes teaching and research functions while remaining flexible to accommodate future needs.
Q: What sorts of challenges did you encounter during the design/build process, and how did you overcome them?
A: Because FPU is a young university and campus, we had to work with the stakeholders to target the aspects of the project that were most susceptible to growth and change over time. The ARC is only their second academic building, and the campus is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade. During programming, FPU found it challenging to predict the mix of laboratory types that would be needed to support their curriculum or research activity in five or 10 years. Our team helped them develop benchmarking criteria to facilitate their decision making.
Aerial view of the ARC, strategically located near the iconic IST Building to create a pedestrian-friendly campus environment.
Q: If a similar facility or program were to look at your lab for inspiration, what do you think they will take away as an example of what they should also implement in their own lab?
A: There are two aspects of the project that have had the most impact for the university. First, we planned the building to put science on display. The labs front a central, two-story gathering space, with large glass wall sections so that the laboratories are visible. This is also the primary circulation space through the building, so no matter where you go in the building the laboratories are animating the space. The second is that the main entrance to the building connects to a main pedestrian path through campus. This really connects the building and the gathering space to the existing campus buildings. As the campus grows, the ARC will be an important node in the heart of the campus.
