A three-story glass atrium serves as the main entrance to Science Hall and connects it to Youngchild Hall, Lawrence’s other home for the natural sciences. The atrium is a space that symbolizes the highly interactive and communal nature of our science programs. This area will be used frequently by the natural sciences for meetings, poster sessions, receptions, small group study, and quiet conversation.
In addition, the atrium serves as a central location for the campus at large, and its distinctive beauty entices all students, faculty, and staff to frequent and utilize its space. The extensive use of glass in the walls and skylight, and the "stepped" approach to the roof have created a light and open interior that invites members of the Lawrence community into the building and encourages them to linger. From inside the atrium, stunning vistas overlook the Fox River to the south and Main Hall to the north. The interior walls of the atrium incorporate the same Fond du Lac stone that is used on a good portion of the building’s exterior façade and is the predominant building material on the campus. The juxtaposition of the rough-hewn stone with the glass walls adds character to the atrium and serves to "connect" this inside space with the outside.
A commons area for biology students extends across the atrium on the third floor linking Science Hall to Youngchild, reinforcing the identity of the atrium as a gathering place for students and faculty.