Donnelly Science Center

Loyola University Maryland’s Donnelly Science Center expansion enhances the university’s capacity for teaching, research, and collaboration in the sciences. The 16,500-square-foot, four-story addition provides new classroom laboratories, research spaces, faculty offices, and specialized facilities for biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and engineering.

Led by the architecture team at Ayers Saint Gross and designed to foster interdisciplinary learning and engagement, the building connects seamlessly with the existing Donnelly Science Center through hallways that double as science display galleries and informal gathering spaces for students and faculty.

Engineering for Flexibility and Performance

Mueller Associates provided comprehensive mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering services for the project, supporting the university’s vision for collaborative and energy-efficient STEM education.

The design integrates a 100% outdoor rooftop air-handling unit that conditions most new and renovated spaces, excluding the vivarium. To maximize efficiency, exhaust air passes through a total energy recovery wheel, transferring exhaust energy to precondition incoming outside air. This strategy significantly reduces the building’s heating and cooling demand while maintaining strict indoor environmental conditions.

Each laboratory features pressure-independent terminal units to control supply and exhaust airflow, ensuring precise temperature, humidity, and pressurization levels. Laminar flow diffusers near fume hoods minimize air disturbance, while fin-tube radiation offsets heat loss in areas with large curtain wall glazing.

Creating a Collaborative Scientific Community

Beyond system efficiency, the engineering design enhances the human experience. Thoughtful lighting, air distribution, and acoustical control create an atmosphere conducive to research and learning. By combining advanced engineering systems with inviting shared spaces, the Donnelly Science Center promotes collaboration among disciplines and provides Loyola’s students with a modern, adaptable environment for scientific discovery.