The renovation and expansion of the University of Southern Maine’s (USM) Michael E. Dubyak Center for Digital Science & Innovation establishes a new home for the Computer Science Department and a cornerstone for innovation on the Portland campus. SMRT Architects & Engineers transformed underutilized academic space into a modern, high-performing environment that supports teaching, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration while reinforcing USM’s missions and growing presence in the region.

At the heart of the Dubyak Center is a commitment to advancing computer science through collaborative, real-world research and innovation. The reimagined space brings together classrooms, research labs, faculty offices, and informal gathering areas designed to encourage interaction among students, faculty, industry partners, and the broader community. A high-tech computer classroom with 30 workstations supports coding camps, workshops, and community events, while an innovation technology café anchors the space as a hub for study, dialogue, and informal collaboration throughout the day. Designed to support interdisciplinary research and public-private partnerships, several new labs enable students to engage in funded research, gain hands-on experience with large datasets, and collaborate with industry sponsors on complex, real-world challenges.

Organization, transparency, and daylight drove this design approach. Faculty offices were positioned along the perimeter to maximize access to natural light, while a floor-to-ceiling glazed entry wall and a central circulation spine, conceptually inspired by a campus quad, draws light and activity into the core collaboration spaces. This layout creates visible, connected pathways that foster informal interaction and cross-disciplinary exchange.

The architectural expression balances a technology-driven aesthetic with warmth and wellbeing. Frameless glass partitions highlight the building’s exposed concrete structure, while natural wood tones, soft finishes, and biophilic design elements introduce comfort and visual balance. The renovation positions the Dubyak Center as a forward-looking academic destination that unites education, research, and community engagement while empowering the next generation of computing leaders.

Design: SMRT Architects & Engineers
Design Team: Erin Anderson, Lodrys Gomez, Tim Mahoney, Joshua Kane, Bradley Baker
Contractor: Benchmark
Photography: Ryan Bent