Innovation Science & Technology (IST) Building
Architectural & Academic Icon
At the heart of Florida Polytechnic University stands a globally celebrated architectural and academic icon: the Innovation, Science, & Technology (IST) Building. Designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, this stunning 162,000-square-foot structure is more than a building—it’s a living symbol of the university’s mission to power the future of STEM innovation.
A World-Class Landmark of Learning
Florida Poly’s five lakes prominently comprising the center of campus forms the backbone that leads to the Innovation, Science, & Technology (IST) Building. The University’s first academic building and one of the most iconic and world-renowned buildings in all of higher education represents the strong foundation on which the University is built. From the moment you see the gleaming white dome, you know this is no ordinary campus. The IST Building blends form and function with breathtaking effect:
- 94 robotic louvers adjust with the sun to optimize natural light in the two-story atrium.
- Curved metal pergolas wrap the building, creating shaded walkways and open-air gathering spaces.
- Inside, the building houses 26 classrooms, the Aula Magna auditorium, faculty offices, and 11 innovation labs where hands-on learning fuels real-world problem solving.
- A sprawling 11,000-square-foot Commons area offers space for collaboration, creation, and community.
Whether students are racing autonomous vehicles, prototyping next-gen robotics, or presenting their startup pitches, the IST is where groundbreaking ideas take shape.
Designed to Inspire. Built to Lead.
Constructed in just 28 months and completed in 2014, the IST Building is the signature of Florida Poly’s bold vision. As the university opened its doors to its inaugural class, the IST stood ready to welcome a new generation of STEM leaders.
The building’s innovative design and engineering have earned 23 regional, national, and international awards, including:
“Most Breathtaking Building in the World” (2016) – Named alongside the Empire State Building and the Parthenon
International Architecture Award (2015)
IDEAS2 Award for Innovation in Design and Engineering (2015)
Best Higher Education Project – Southeast Region by Engineering News Record (2014)
Architectural Elegance Meets Engineering Excellence
This functional masterpiece has captivated the attention of architects, engineers, and designers around the globe. The IST Building has been featured in international media, including the Smithsonian Channel’s “How Did They Build That?”—highlighting the structure’s mechanical complexity and sustainability.
Did You Know?
- The IST Building inspired the Florida Poly logo, designed in 2017.
- It’s built at the head of five connected lakes, forming the central spine of the campus.
- Alligators are occasionally seen basking in the surrounding waters (don’t worry—they're part of the local charm!).
- The second-floor atrium, flooded with natural light, creates an uplifting space for study, innovation, and connection.
Explore the IST for Yourself
Want to see where engineering brilliance meets educational excellence? The IST Building isn’t just a structure—it’s a launchpad for dreams.
Plan Your Visit
Come tour Florida Poly’s iconic IST Building and see where innovation begins.
Invest in the Future of Innovation
The Innovation, Science, and Technology (IST) Building is more than a landmark—it’s a testament to what’s possible when bold vision meets transformative support. As Florida Poly’s architectural centerpiece, the IST Building embodies the university’s mission to drive discovery, fuel industry partnerships, and prepare the next generation of STEM leaders.
For donors and partners, this iconic facility represents an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact. Your investment powers groundbreaking research, state-of-the-art labs, and the collaborative spaces where students and faculty turn ideas into real-world solutions.
Be part of shaping what’s next—right here at Florida Poly.
