Florida State University has officially opened its new Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science Building on the Tallahassee campus
The university says the 130,500-square-foot space has 23 research labs and eight teaching labs, a broadcast studio for meteorology students, a 280-seat auditorium and a 100-seat active learning classroom.
The building will accommodate Florida State students and faculty studying and conducting research in environmental science, geology, meteorology and oceanography.
“Over the years, a large number of people have worked hard and put in a lot of time to make this happen,” said Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Sam Huckaba. “It’s impossible to thank everybody.”
Former University President Eric J. Barron returned to campus for the grand opening of the facility and dedication of a statue commemorating Barron’s service at Florida State.
“We would not be here today if Dr. Barron did not recognize the need for this facility and make it a priority,” President John Thrasher says. “He got the ball rolling and secured the first round of funding for this building six years ago.”
At the time, students and faculty were scattered across eight buildings.
At seven stories, the new building has overtaken Doak Campbell Stadium as the highest point on campus. The exterior features a brick façade complemented by a five-story, glass-and-metal window installation.
Some of the building’s specialized features will benefit the public, including a seismometer, solar flower, and Science on a Sphere — a display of global data such as atmospheric storms, earthquake occurrences, climate change and ocean temperature.
