GSBS Architects Wins Contract for UVU Building

GSBS Architects has been selected to design a 160,000 square-foot science building at Utah Valley University in Orem. Pending state approval on construction, the completed facility will complement and be adjacent to the current 80,000 square foot Pope Science Building, creating a single science complex on the campus of Utah's newest university.

It will also provide much-needed space for laboratories, classrooms, and faculty offices for biotechnology, biology, botany, biochemistry, physics, zoology, microbiology, forensics, anatomy/physiology and earth science.

"We have assigned five design teams to create a distinctive new building which represents the university and acknowledges the strength of the UVU science program and the vision of the University," said Michael Stransky, FAIA, President of GSBS Architects and principal architect. "Our goal is to have the design and budget estimates completed by January to meet the target date established by the administration," he said.

Val Peterson, UVU Vice President of Administrative and Legislative Affairs, said, "We are excited to have GSBS Architects working with the University to design a Science Complex that builds on our foundation of excellence in this discipline, but that, more importantly, reflects our current need, which has grown exponentially in recent years. We believe that GSBS has the talent, experience and ideas to design a building which is student focused and enhances the learning experience of our students."

GSBS was one of eleven firms which participated in the design/bidding process solicited by the Utah Division of Facilities and Construction Management (DFCM). GSBS designed the Wasatch campus on Highway 40 near Heber for UVU and has designed buildings for six different institutions of higher education on seven different campuses in Utah and Idaho.

Construction on the proposed new facility is contingent on approval from the legislature and governor.