In May of 2019 Cal Poly broke ground on what was soon to be the William and Linda Frost Center for Research and Innovation. Today A&F’s Facilities Management and Development is proud to announce that the doors of this state-of-the-art facility will open soon.
This new space is unique from any other building on campus because it is a collaboration between three colleges. Specifically, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Science and Math and the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences are coming together to foster a space that is dedicated towards promoting student research and interdisciplinary studies.
Even if you do not normally take classes within these three colleges, the Frost center, as it is commonly known, will feature three larger classrooms for general education courses. There will also be a courtyard and a corridor surrounding the building for students to study, socialize and host events. The Frost center is meant for all to enjoy!
Not to mention, on top of lecture hall there will be a rooftop garden where you can get a 360 degree view of SLO and the surrounding hills. This space is intended to be used for small student gatherings or a potential class.
On the exterior of the building, you can already see some of the glass windows and paneling. This was not just for looks, but more to allow the public eye to get a glimpse into the laboratories to further encourage an interest in research and science. These window panels are also strategically placed at an angle for just enough light to come in, but not heat. Taking advantage of the natural light makes this building very energy efficient as it will use less energy overall.
With a majority of the exterior building envelope being completed, FMD is now working on the interior of the building. This includes installing the proper electricity, plumbing and mechanical work so that the walls and flooring can be finalized; as well as finishing site grading and developing exterior spaces.
Research at an undergraduate level is a very special opportunity that is often reserved for education at the master level. The goal of the Frost center is to provide such opportunity for Cal Poly students at the center of collaboration between three diverse colleges. FMD strives to support students and faculty by creating spaces for them to be successful. Improving facilities and creating buildings such as the Frost center is a crucial part to this mission.
Curious about the progress of this building? Check out the live feed of the construction site here: https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/frost-center/