Bowie State University is guided by an ongoing strategic objective to provide a welcoming and progressive learning environment for its students. When designing a new science center, university leaders sought to create a facility that reflects these priorities.

Project architects proposed a visually striking, all-glass design to create a modern and inviting feel. Distinctive features include a 6,000-square-foot commons area, glass-walled labs and classrooms in an open floor plan, and a three-story cylindrical atrium.

Unfortunately, the center was located at the center of campus, a wide open area with very little shade. Mechanical blinds and aluminum sun shades were considered, but blocking exterior views would have defeated the point of the building’s open design.

The Solution

Bowie State and architects Perkins + Will found the ideal solution by incorporating more than 25,000 square feet of electronically tintable SageGlass® into the Center for Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Nursing, including a large south-facing curtain wall.

SageGlass dynamically controls sunlight to optimize daylighting, outdoor views and interior comfort while preventing glare, fading and overheating. This helps create a more comfortable, productive learning environment conducive to collaboration and inspiration.

The dynamic glass tints on-demand, allowing professors to customize solar control for individual classrooms and labs. It also tints automatically to block sunlight on hot days and dramatically reduce energy demand in the building.

The Results

Bowie State students and faculty throughout the 149,000-square-foot facility are now able to work together free from heat gain and glare in a fully daylit environment with clear exterior views.

“The state-of-the-art Center for Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Nursing will catalyze Bowie State University’s efforts to expand the use of collaborative hands-on teaching models and continue to position the University at the leading edge of innovation in STEM education and undergraduate research,” said Bowie State University President Mickey L. Burnim.

“Its innovative design provides an optimal environment for students and faculty to engage in transformational interdisciplinary learning and instruction.”