University of Delaware | Building X

A Reimagined Science Quad Designed to Inspire Interdisciplinary Research

Building X, a 132,500 SF research facility, has taken the place of the former McKinly Hall. This building consists of three above-ground floors, a mechanical penthouse, and a full basement dedicated to Physics Laboratories.

As part of The College of Arts and Sciences, Building X is connected to the Life Sciences Research Building via a bridge, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The building is organized around thematic areas rather than departments, offering and house a blend of damp and dry lab spaces. It accommodates workspaces for 48 research scientists from Physics, Biology, and Psychology, with an emphasis on shared core facilities for Physics and Life Sciences. Additionally, it serves over 1,000 students annually in its four teaching labs.

In addition to research spaces, the building features biology teaching lab spaces, replacing those lost in the 2017 McKinly Hall fire. Ample space is allocated for offices, conference rooms, and social areas to support the numerous students and post-docs working in the building. A 180 kW-DC rooftop solar photovoltaic array will generate over 220,000 kWh annually, equivalent to the energy usage of 20 typical homes per year.

The landscape surrounding McKinly Plaza has been significantly enhanced to create new visual and physical connections to the University of Delaware’s iconic main quad. This transformation redefines the area, establishing a spacious and inviting courtyard, complete with gathering spaces and bench-style eating areas.