The Robert and Beverly Lewis Integrative Science Building will officially open this Friday, with a private ceremony at 11:30 a.m. and an open house from 3-4:30 p.m.
In addition to providing researchers with high-level research equipment — including an MRI machine — Lewis is designed to set a model for sustainability.
Among these sustainable features are temperature controlled windows and a green roof with 28 solar panels. The building uses around 58 percent less energy in comparison to more conventionally designed science buildings. The building also obtained the Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
“Labs are energy hogs, so it’s hard to achieve that,” said Denise Stewart, construction project manager with Capital Construction.
However, the building does more than promote sustainability. True to its full name, Lewis’ sweeping atrium, natural lighting and whiteboards lining the walls exist to encourage more informal conversations between the psychology, biology and chemistry departments.

Officially, it’s known as integrative science.
Mike Wehr, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience who works in one of three interconnected laboratories in Lewis, explained that the idea behind integrated science is that the most interesting research relating to old disciplines like zoology, botany, chemistry, and biology happens where the different fields intersect.
Although he and other faculty members have been busy setting up their labs, Wehr has already been able to share ideas with professors from different departments.
“I’m looking to see it happen more and more,” Wehr said.
To highlight the variety of researchers based in Lewis, Kimberly Espy, the University’s vice president of research and innovation and dean of the graduate school, said that everyone from biologists studying colonies of cells to child development will have a chance to interact.
“This building is awesome,” Espy said.
Although no classes will be held in Lewis, undergraduates will have opportunities to work as research assistants and the structure of the building encourages students to use it as a study space.
“It’s public, but private,” said Stewart, referring to the building’s unique balance between an open door policy while maintaining a secure workplace for researchers.