Lanphier Center is a cutting-edge hub for interdisciplinary education

Wallingford, CT, USA

Education

The Lanphier Center for Mathematics and Computer Science stands as a beacon of interdisciplinary collaboration at Choate Rosemary Hall. Nestled within a historic New England town, characterized by majestic beech trees and tranquil wetlands, the center fosters a collaborative and creative environment for academic exploration.

Bespoke and contextual design

A landmark 150-year-old beech tree helped determine the form of the building, which consists of two brick-clad classroom wings linked by a transparent glass connector offering views to the tree and ponds. The classroom wings wrap around the copper beech tree and toward the campus to form an open court that recalls a traditional academic quad.

Spaces for students include a student lounge, makers spaces, and teaching facilities.

The Lanphier Center is home to Choate’s award-winning Robotics Team.

Integrating technology, scientific inquiry and creativity

Beyond traditional STEM subjects — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — the Lanphier Center supports a curriculum that integrates the arts, recognizing the evolving landscape of knowledge and creativity. From robotics to sculpture, the center's versatile spaces cater to diverse learning needs, promoting interdisciplinary dialogue and innovation. Designed to support hands-on learning, flexible spaces support teamwork. In addition to classrooms and labs, the Lanphier Center includes informal gathering spaces where students can meet and study.

35%

less energy usage than other campus buildings

Stewarding a more sustainable future

The center's LEED Gold design incorporates eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, exemplifying Choate's dedication to responsible stewardship and academic excellence. Low velocity displacement ventilation provides fresh air with very little energy use. All rooms have operable windows with automatic sensors to turn off the mechanical ventilation when windows are opened. In addition, light sensors monitor daylight and adjust lighting levels. These elements all work to help reduce the energy use of the Lanphier Center. The building will use less than 35 percent of the energy of a conventional building.