The building is cohabited by several departments of the School of Engineering as well as the Department of Visual Arts. The opportunity to blend the disciplines of art and science led our team to a design solution that encourages the commingling of interdisciplinary academic and laboratory spaces with hopes of fostering collaborations and communication. Laboratories and classrooms are located on one wing, while offices flank the other wing. An open stair through the building’s central atrium links the two wings. This shared circulation core has become a place of gathering, events, and receptions. ‘Chance’ encounters occur daily within this space inspiring social and academic exchanges outside of the traditional classroom. The L-shaped building sits open towards the edge of an existing canyon, embracing its natural topography. The main entry and vertical circulation literally bridge over a constructed amphitheater and connect with the canyon rim to an established campus pedestrian thoroughfare drawing people into the outdoor terrace and atrium. Students and faculty are invited to linger along the bridge taking in the canyon vista, or gather below, sitting on the amphitheater seat walls or the adjacent grassy knoll. The exterior spaces expand the opportunities for interaction beyond the building footprint and create a connection with the site not felt on the interior of most laboratories.