The Vision for a New Science Complex

The professional practice of science has become an intricate discovery process that melds theories, tools and techniques of multiple academic disciplines.

The time is right to place St. Olaf's exemplary science and mathematics programs in an innovative, research-rich environment in which students can explore the natural world in all of its beauty, complexity, diversity, wonder and mystery.

The Seven I's

Interdisciplinary, investigative, interactive, innovative, interconnected, inviting and a building with integrity: This is the programmatic vision that drove the planning of Regents Hall of Natural and Mathematical Sciences.

Interdisciplinary
While Regents Hall must preserve the rigorous teaching of the standard disciplines represented by current mathematics and natural science departments, it also must promote the interdisciplinary teaching and research that is at the cutting edge of modern science. Interdisciplinary work is fostered by close proximity; natural disciplinary and interdisciplinary grouping in Regents Hall is a top priority.

Investigative
The teaching and research spaces must promote investigative work. Given our research-active faculty, we need excellent faculty-student research spaces to sustain our nationally recognized undergraduate research program. In addition, investigative components are increasingly evident in our teaching laboratories as we promote student exploration. Therefore, we must design space that fosters an investigative approach to science and mathematics.

Interactive
Regents Hall must promote student-student, student-faculty and faculty-faculty interactions. Modern science solves problems and advances new ideas by bringing together teams of scientists with various perspectives; this new building must have public and shared spaces that provide the opportunity to model and practice this approach.

Innovative
Technology will continue to revolutionize the way science and math are taught. Regents Hall must both incorporate the technology-driven pedagogical innovations present in our current program and be flexible to adapt to emerging technologies.

Inviting
Regents Hall should be a busy place, used extensively by scientists and mathematicians as well as by the entire St. Olaf community and visitors to the campus. Therefore, the building must be inviting, with intriguing and interesting spaces that draw people to the building and make it an inspiring place to be.

Integrity
Consistent with the mission of St. Olaf College, Regents Hall must have integrity. The building must be designed, built and utilized to honor the environment. It must also allow the faculty to fulfill the charge of the mission statement to:

• stimulate students' critical thinking and moral development;
• encourage students to be seekers of truth, leading lives of unselfish service to others; and
• challenge students to be responsible and knowledgeable citizens of the world.

Interconnected
St. Olaf College is a richly and diversely talented community with recognized strengths in the fine arts, international studies, humanities and social sciences. To be unique to St. Olaf, Regents Hall must have spaces interconnecting the natural sciences and mathematics to other distinctive parts of the St. Olaf community.