A view of the STEM building from the front parking lot. (Photo by Lucas Rodgers) If you have visited the Delaware County Community College Marple Campus within the past semester or two, you’ve probably noticed the huge orange building that is nearing completion.
Of course, the exterior of the building consists of other colors, such as white and the silver of the bare steel framework that houses the numerous windows, but that’s beside the point.
This new building is known as the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics or STEM center.
It has been in construction since fall 2008 and opened for classes January.
According to dccc.edu, the 105,000 square foot building is “the centerpiece of the college’s $62 million STEM complex.”
“So far, it’s a big improvement in terms of facilities over the old one,” said Jon Sagle, associate professor of physics.
“We have a lot more space. We have a lot more light coming in; our labs before had no windows. It’s just a much better place to be.”
As its name suggests, the STEM is designated for classes in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It houses physics, biology, chemistry, and astronomy labs for integrated science classes.
The STEM building also contains several general purpose classrooms, a conference center, an aerobics studio and a fitness center, among other facilities.
“I like taking classes here because there’s more room and more resources,” said Oliver Feaster, 18, an elementary education major.
The STEM center is made up of four floors with open, central stairways, as well as side stairwells and elevators to traverse the different floors.
The architecture and interior decor of the building are rather avant-garde. The furniture consists of brightly colored stools and benches, while the walls are mostly pure white, except for the multicolored tiles in between bathroom doors.
The STEM offers many places for students to sit and relax in between classes, or work on homework or study.
“I like the new building,” said Dominique Williams, 22, a nursing major. “It has a lot of areas where you can sit down and quiet spots.”
Upon completion, the first floor of the STEM will include a tiered lecture hall, a computer technology center and a café, according to dccc.edu. These resources and others are supposed to make the STEM open to the entire campus and the community.
“It doesn’t feel like so much of a school,” said Andrew Fleming, 19, a secondary education major. “It feels like a place where you can do your work.”
The STEM is also an environmentally friendly building because of its “sustainable features such as a green roof, energy-efficient systems, recycled materials and daylight harvesting” are “designed to qualify for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council” according to dccc.edu. The STEM is an addition to DCCC that can benefit students, staff and the community. It offers new classrooms and labs that can be utilized in many different ways, and its resources continue to expand.
“I’m still getting used to it,” said Victor Piotti, an adjunct faculty member.
“I’m surprised at the limited number of facilities. Overall, the building has a nice appearance. It’s modern looking; it seems to be very functional that way.”
Contact Lucas Rodgers at communitarian@mail.dccc. edu.
