A New Kind of Space

In order for NC State to continue elevating its status as one of the world’s leading STEM universities — and to continue attracting the best and brightest faculty and students — we’re reimagining our basic and applied molecular science programs and facilities.

On Sept. 8, 2023, the NC State community gathered to mark the start of a major venture for the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost and numerous colleges across campus. University dignitaries and key figures in Woodson Hall’s development took part in the ceremony.

Woodson Hall will be a hub that connects existing centers of excellence on campus and transforms the Brickyard into a hive of scientific innovation and education. At its center will be three research accelerator labs that empower NC State to create new kinds of molecules, image and visualize molecules, and work to develop technologies that use these molecules to fast-track new innovations.

Disciplines represented in the building will be STEM-focused but enriched with collaboration across the humanities, social sciences and the arts. Education and training programs will focus on team science, inquiry-driven coursework across disciplines, communication and leadership, and preparation for the jobs of tomorrow.

Transforming Science

Woodson Hall provides a central location for faculty, researchers and students from across campus to collaborate around shared projects, connecting existing centers of excellence. Chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, physics and textiles will be foundational to core training and research, but the intersection of these disciplines — as well as the influence of the humanities and social sciences, design and the arts — will drive ISI’s success. Additional support for training and research will draw on strong industry partnerships, with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization embedded in all aspects of the initiative’s work.

Project Milestones

In January 2021, NC State University engaged Moseley Architects and ZGF Architects along with a team of consultants to complete advanced planning for Woodson Hall, completed in August 2021.

Milestones for the project include:

• Design development by June 2022
• Construction documents by December 2022
• Construction beginning in summer 2023
• Completion of construction in 2026