Biological Sciences – UGA 1000 (1957, Category 2). Biological Sciences was constructed in 1960 to the east of Chemistry.
The Biological Sciences building was constructed to the east of the Chemistry complex and is oriented to the turn in the face of the slope of Compton Hill from north to east. The original portion of the building is U-shaped in plan, with a five-story rectangular block at its north end, a one-story entrance wing extending southward on the west side, and a three-story wing extending southward on its east side. The five-story block has seven floors on its north, downslope side, and the three-story wing has five floors on its downslope east side. Between the wings is a landscaped courtyard and walkway.
Like other 1960s science center buildings, the facades of the Biological Sciences Building feature expanses of glass and open brick screens at the entrance level. The building’s concrete structural frame is expressed on the exterior, and brick is used to infill the frame. Large aluminum and glass windows limit the use of the brick infill in most of the facades. The windows have teal metal panels along their lower portions. Concrete hoods project over the windows above.
Modifications to many of the windows, including vents, room air conditioning units, and foil coverings, reflect responses to adapt the 1960s configuration for more contemporary interior scientific uses.
A large three-story addition has been added to the south end of the east wing. The addition mimics the vocabulary of the original 1960s building but is less assertive and less interesting in design. A rooftop addition has been constructed at the east wing as well.
The Biological Sciences Building retains integrity despite some alterations, is significant to the Mid-Century Modern period of the University’s development, and appears to contribute to a National Register-eligible historic district. It is assessed as a Category 2 resource.
