The Marshak Science Building, located at the City College of New York (CCNY), is a state-of-the-art facility that serves as the centerpiece for the college's science programs. Completed in 1970, the building was named after the renowned physicist and CCNY alumnus, Dr. Robert E. Marshak. The building's design and construction were a result of the college's efforts to expand its science programs and provide students with modern facilities to support their academic pursuits.
Architecture and Design
The Marshak Science Building is a striking example of modern architecture, with a unique design that reflects the functional needs of a science facility. The building’s façade features a mix of concrete, steel, and glass, with a distinctive Brutalist-style aesthetic. The interior spaces are designed to accommodate a variety of scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. The building’s layout is organized around a central courtyard, which provides natural light and ventilation to the surrounding laboratories and classrooms. Modular design principles were incorporated into the building’s construction, allowing for flexibility and adaptability in the use of space.
Laboratory Facilities
The Marshak Science Building is equipped with a range of laboratory facilities, including teaching labs, research labs, and support spaces. The building features over 100 laboratories, each designed to support specific scientific disciplines and equipped with modern instrumentation and equipment. The laboratories are organized into clusters, with shared support spaces and equipment rooms to facilitate collaboration and resource sharing among faculty and students. The building’s laboratory facilities are designed to meet the highest standards of safety and security, with features such as fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, and emergency shower stations.
| Discipline | Number of Labs | Specialized Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 20 | Microscopes, spectrophotometers, PCR machines |
| Chemistry | 30 | Gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, NMR spectrometers |
| Physics | 15 | Spectrometers, interferometers, particle accelerators |
| Earth Sciences | 10 | Seismographs, magnetometers, geochemical analyzers |
Research and Academic Programs
The Marshak Science Building is home to a range of academic programs and research initiatives, including undergraduate and graduate degree programs in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. The building’s research facilities are used by faculty and students to conduct cutting-edge research in areas such as biomedicine, materials science, and environmental science. The building also hosts a range of research centers and institutes, including the CCNY Institute for Biomedical Research and the CCNY Center for Materials Science.
Interdisciplinary Research Initiatives
The Marshak Science Building is designed to facilitate interdisciplinary research and collaboration among faculty and students from different scientific disciplines. The building’s shared laboratory facilities and equipment rooms provide a platform for researchers to work together on complex scientific problems. The building also hosts a range of research seminars and workshops, which provide opportunities for faculty and students to share their research and learn from others in the scientific community.
- Biomedicine: cancer research, neuroscience, infectious diseases
- Materials Science: nanotechnology, energy storage, biomaterials
- Environmental Science: climate change, air and water quality, conservation biology
What are the hours of operation for the Marshak Science Building?
+The Marshak Science Building is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends.
How do I access the laboratory facilities in the Marshak Science Building?
+Access to the laboratory facilities in the Marshak Science Building is restricted to authorized personnel, including faculty, students, and staff. To gain access, individuals must obtain a valid CCNY ID and complete any required safety training and orientation programs.
