Enabling High-Performance Computer-Based Modeling & Simulation

The new Interdisciplinary High Performance Computational Center at the City University of New York’s (CUNY) College of Staten Island campus consolidates five departments — ranging from the behavioral sciences, to the biological and physical sciences — under one roof to house research programs and instruction built around the use of high-performance, computer-based modeling and simulation. From aircraft design to the creative media arts, the project will provide a high-performance computing and networking infrastructure to give multidisciplinary research teams a platform on which to exchange intellectual ideas, improve educational offerings, and increase the research capability of the University.

Key design features include:

• Multi-node computer clusters, visualization laboratories, high-tech instructional laboratories, general purpose classrooms, dedicated student work areas and a 130-seat tiered classroom to support a mix of learning styles and serve as a shared resource among all departments in the building.
• Faculty offices and interdisciplinary suites to accommodate collaborative projects.
• A lobby containing a tutoring center, coffee bar, science display area and Theory Center that serve as informal gathering and learning space.
• Solar orientation, green roof, double-skin façade, skylights and exterior shading devices that allow daylight into the building while controlling heat gain.
• An array of photovoltaic panels and thin film photovoltaic screens that generate solar energy.
• A geothermal heating and cooling system to maintain constant air temperature through a radiant slab.