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Physics and Engineering

New Science Facility

Science Complex 1 Plans for a vast extension to the Nussbaum Science Center are currently under way. The proposed building extension will more than double the current size of the Nussbaum science building. Taylor University Students have played an integral part in every step of the design process from the architectural plans for the building to the energy efficient systems it will utilize.

Several years ago, T.U. President Dr. Eugene Habecker and fellow administrators decided to include a new science building in their Vision 2016 Master Plan. Dr. Hank Voss, Professor of Physics and Research, became involved in improving these new designs. Two of his main goals were to “demonstrate national leadership in quality energy efficient and green building design while lowering cost” and to create a plan that would excite donors for funding. In order to achieve these goals while educating students, he encouraged several engineering physics majors to enroll in his Advanced Engineering course to work on the building plan.

A team of seven engineering students as well as Dr. Voss, Dr. Don Takehara, and Mrs. Lisa Crandall have been working together to address the need for innovative and environmentally sustainable designs in the proposed science complex. The team began the semester investigating sustainable design in order to achieve energy efficiency and to create a "green" facility.

Atrium

Science Building Atrium The Atrium for the new science complex will connect the existing Nussbaum complex to the new science facility. The purpose of the Atrium, as characterized by student researcher Kyle Holloway, is to "provide creative teaching space, prized market value, positive social effects, improved space utilization, and noteworthy energy savings using a resourceful design." As of now the atrium will consist of 50 percent skylights and 50 percent energy efficient roof materials. This combination will allow for ample natural lighting as well as natural heat to penetrate into the building during the day while sustaining the natural heat at night.

Trombe Window

The new facility will utilize a trombe window. A Trombe wall consists of a thermal mass, insulation, and flowing air. When built facing the sun, this structure acts as a solar thermal collector primarily in the wintertime because of shading that blocks summer sun. Our design improves on this idea by adding windows, a swinging feature which can allow light in, and a nonabsorbent summer surface. Trombe windows will be installed in the entire south façade of Nussbaum, utilizing the existing dual-glazed windows. The only required external modification is the addition of overhanging shades above each window. The new Trombe windows will save significant sums of money on energy bills while also allowing students to conduct valuable research. A government LEED Innovation credit will also be granted to Taylor for our use with the Trombe Windows.

Heliostat

Taylor Engineering students have been looking into the possibility of utilizing a heliostat within the new science building. As of now, there are no finalized plans for the use of a heliostat but there are plans to build an open column in the building of a 15 ft diameter with a spiral staircase. This structure would have a window on top and would use mirrors to reflect the light down to an assortment of plants and other aesthetically pleasing materials such as a waterfall. All the while the proposed heliostat would allow more light penetration within this segment of the building. A major focus of the new facility is to allow as much natural light to penetrate into the building as possible.

Tunnel

Research is being conducted to assess the usefulness and functionality of a tunnel which would act as a campus backbone for fiber optics and other utilities. Additionally, this tunnel would be a prime pedestrian route in unfavorable weather, handicap accessible, architecturally pleasing with both natural and electrical lighting and would help conserve energy in the new Nussbaum building by reducing the time outdoor doors will be open. Also, the trench the tunnels would be placed in will serve a dual purpose by providing a route for the geothermal system to be used in Nussbaum along with the tunnels.

Taylor's Unique Undergraduate Research Involvement

As you can see, Taylor University readily and consistently encourages student involvement with all manner of campus related projects and research. If you have an interest in participating in research endeavors during your stay at Taylor, there are a plethora of opportunities for you to utilize. Student involvement and research for the new science building is but only one example of the research opportunities available for serious undergraduate engineering physics students. To view our other research opportunities please see the TU research page. You will find that undergraduate involvement in research is not a common occurence in typical universities. At Taylor we believe that students can offer a fresh and beneficial perspective to whatever endeavor they pursue.