Ernest E. Tschannen Science Complex

Sacramento, CA

Engineered to support state-of-the-art science research and learning, the Ernest E. Tschannen Science Complex has a built-in astronomy observatory, full-scale planetarium, and a functional two-story Foucault Pendulum. The building is configured to provide new teaching and research laboratories for the Chemistry and Biology Departments in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (CNSM) as well as provide new space for the CNSM Dean’s Office.

Design of the five-story steel structure considered stringent vibration criteria to accommodate the use of high-powered microscopes and nuclear medicine research equipment. In addition to the vibration considerations, the project employed a new special steel truss moment frame seismic-resisting system, which provides highly dependable earthquake resistance while leaving most of the floor area open, thereby maximizing configuration possibilities for current and future uses.