Groundbreaking of Science Engineering Innovation Research Facility

Ground was just broken on the new University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) Science and Engineering Innovation and Research (SEIR) building, a collaborative, team-based learning and discovery space designed to provide significant student support in workforce need and research activity. Civic leaders, along with University and student leadership, gathered to celebrate the new teaching and research space, scheduled to be completed in summer 2018.

Designed by Page in collaboration with ZGF Architects, the sustainable 229,000-square foot facility will provide two floors of instructional space, with research activities occupying four floors and a basement level. State-of-the-art teaching will be supported by 900 seats and research space will advance health science discoveries and enable dramatic growth in engineering, science programs.

The modern glass and steel building will create a new, iconic southern entry to the UTA campus. Each floor incorporates a 150-seat and a 300-seat classroom, both intended for general campus use for larger core courses. A key design aspect is glass interior walls enabling work in the collaborative lab space to be visible to first-year students — a concept called "science on display."

In addition to the president of UTA and a doctorate student, several elected officials also explained the significance of the new facility to their constituents. Remarks came from the Mayor of the City of Arlington, Jeff Williams; State Senator Kelly Hancock, (R) North Richland Hills; State Representative Chris Turner, (D) Grand Prairie and U.S. Representative Joe Barton, (R) Ennis.

UTA officials describe the intent of the design in the below video:

The building is designed in accordance with sustainable practices, with high energy efficient heating and cooling systems, water conservation practices and sustainable materials for flooring and interior finishes. Construction of the Texas limestone, steel-and-glass structure is being managed by the Hunt Construction Group, Inc.