Danish architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has completed the Robert Day Science Center at Claremont McKenna College, marking the firm's first completed project in Los Angeles County. The university building represents the inaugural realized structure within BIG's master-planned Roberts Campus, establishing a significant architectural milestone for the renowned Copenhagen-based studio.
Located in Claremont, a city of approximately 40,000 residents at the easternmost edge of Los Angeles County, the project sits within a community celebrated for its academic excellence and nicknamed "The City of Trees and PhDs." The Roberts Campus, still largely in development, promises to deliver substantial green space alongside expanded facilities for teaching and research, as depicted in the university's promotional video that showcases planned construction and renovation across extensive areas.
Currently, the Robert Day Science Center emerges from a somewhat desolate landscape of parking lots and construction sites. However, the building is strategically positioned to serve as a key urban planning anchor within the university's broader campus development. The structure is designed to accommodate 1,400 students engaging in interdisciplinary work, featuring a comprehensive and diverse academic program.
Architecturally, BIG has employed their signature design approach, deconstructing and subtly twisting a conventional geometric form to create a distinctive landmark that clearly identifies its creators. While the building initially appears to be constructed of wood, this impression proves deceptive. The facade utilizes glass-fiber reinforced concrete panels that mimic wood-like textures while providing the durability and fire resistance essential for modern laboratory facilities.
The interior's massive structural beams, which appear to be Douglas fir, also serve as decorative cladding concealing a steel construction system mounted on a reinforced concrete foundation. This sophisticated material strategy demonstrates BIG's commitment to both aesthetic appeal and functional performance requirements.
The building's standout feature is its expansive atrium, serving as the structure's open heart and providing diverse spaces for both academic work and social interaction. The striking installation suspended beneath the glass ceiling, titled "Magnetic Fields," was created by Mexico City-based artist Damien Ortega, adding an artistic dimension to the scientific environment.
This project reinforces BIG's reputation for creating superlative architectural statements, continuing the firm's tradition of delivering buildings that serve as both functional spaces and cultural landmarks. The Robert Day Science Center stands as a testament to contemporary educational architecture that successfully balances innovative design with practical academic needs.
