Science Teaching Complex (STC)
The Science Teaching Complex (or STC, pronounced 'stick') is the primary hub for undergraduate science instruction. It is directly adjacent to Biology 1 and Biology 2, and in fact, parts of what were once exterior walls of B1 and B2 now form interior walls within STC, resulting in offices that look inward into the building rather than outdoors. When constructed, it contained the largest lecture hall (STC 1012) on campus with 425 seats.
STC 1012
STC 1012 is the greatest place on campus. I want to organize a movie night there sometime. Like what if 400 of my closest friends show up with popcorn on a random Saturday night. Just throwing that out there.
Science Centre for Innovation (SCI/SCI-PHYS)
The STC was designed to be constructed in two phases, and thus was intended to be much larger. An early rendering of the STC shows this larger area that extends to the Physics building.
However, evidently, this was never built. I think this turned into a plan to construct a "Science Centre for Innovation (SCI)" which pivoted to expand the Physics building but ultimately never came into fruition. From Board of Governors meeting transcript on 30 October 2018, expanding the STC towards the Physics building would require destructing the greenhouse and would interfere with an existing mechanical room below ground, so the plans were relocated to "the area west of the Physics research wing and south of the Earth Science Chemistry building".
On behalf of the Board, the committee approved relocating the proposed Science Centre for Innovation to the area west of the Physics research wing and south of the Earth Science Chemistry building
Over the past twelve months, it became apparent that locating the SCI project south of the Biology I building creates many logistical challenges given the location of the existing below grade mechanical room and the greenhouse. A significant cost savings (in the order of $8m - $10m) could be achieved by eliminating the reconstruction of the greenhouse and by materially improving the efficiency of the building layout. Although relocating SCI to the revised location is not contemplated in the University’s current master plan, the new location would still meet the master plan’s primary goals which include enhancing the north-south circulation spine and corresponding pedestrian experience, incrementally advancing the longer-term plan to connect the south and north gateways, creating an inviting and accessible courtyard, and facilitating physical changes to the surrounding buildings to enhance their environmental performance. The SCI project costs were originally estimated to be in excess of $60 million, but the estimated savings achieved through its relocation would reduce the estimate significantly.
The SCI building was meant to include "WaterFEL", a Infrared Free Electron Laser facility. However in a 2024 Board of Governors session, it was announced that the facility will be standalone because "the University ultimately did not proceed with the SCI project".
The WaterFEL facility was part of a new building proposal called the Science Centre for Innovation (SCI). At its meeting in October 2018, the Building & Properties Committee approved the location and design development of the SCI and the appointment of consultants. While the University ultimately did not proceed with the SCI project, the Faculty of Science would like to proceed with the WaterFEL project as a standalone facility
The Science Centre for Innovation project was cancelled for budget reasons
Renders
An early render of the SCI building that looks just like the extra part of STC, but seemingly relocated elsewhere. Also I have no idea what that bridge is supposed to connect to.
A much later render of the SCI building that shows just how much the project changed in scope. This would easily be the most beautiful building on campus so it's clear why they didn't build it. Can't steal the spotlight from MC.