Weightier Worship - Biola University

On The Rise
A sneak peek at Biola’s new theology building
This time next year, thousands of students will be studying theology inside one of the most
innovative buildings ever constructed on Biola’s campus — complete with a rooftop garden,
solar-powered classrooms and a serene prayer room.
And while there isn’t much to look at now — aside from lots of dirt and tractors that have been
on the move since the groundbreaking in May — Biola Magazine decided it was time to give you an
early look.
The new $18.2 million facility, known for now as “Talbot East,” is the first stage of a new campus
within a campus for Biola’s seminary, Talbot School of Theology, which long ago outgrew its existing
facilities. (“Talbot West” and a renovation of Feinberg Hall will follow in a $32 million second phase.)
The project has been in the planning stages for several years, but construction had been waiting on
funding. So in March, Biola launched a 40-day period of prayer and fasting, asking God to provide
sufficient funds to break ground this summer. Within days, a series of gifts began to arrive — eventually
totaling more than $6.4 million — in what has since come to be known as “The Miracle of May 2010.”
(For more on that, flip back two pages to President Corey’s column.)
That was enough to begin construction, which started the weekend after spring’s graduation
ceremony. Meanwhile, the university is still praying for the remaining $2.2 million to complete
Talbot East and continue the Miracle of May. When everything wraps up next fall, here’s some of what
students will experience.
1
Fritting: The New Stained Glass
No, those aren’t smudges. Prominent windows will feature
ceramic “fritting” with text from the Bible in English, Greek
and Hebrew. When the light hits at the right angle, students
will see “Scripture shadows” on the floors and wall.
2
Harnessing the SoCal Sun
As the sun goes up, Biola’s energy bills will go down.
Photovoltaic panels on a major stair tower will generate
electricity to help power the building. The design will allow
students to see the “working guts” of the panels in action.
3
Naturally Cool
A rooftop garden on the north side of the building will give
students a place to relax, while also cooling the building and
collecting rainwater for irrigation. It’s part of what will make
the building LEED-certified as environmentally friendly.
4
Sunken Treasure
A sunken outdoor plaza will be an ideal area to study, pray or
just hang out. A cascading waterfall and a still pool will add a
peaceful touch (and evoke John 7:38 and Psalm 23:2).
1 0
5
Powered by Prayer
A prayer room will offer a quiet place where students can
spend sustained amounts of time in God’s presence. It’ll
have an “ancient and simple” feel, incorporating stone and
wood from Biola’s 125-year-old olive trees, planners say.
6
Spreading the Love
The building’s 34 new offices will free up space elsewhere
on campus for a new science lab, among other things —
meaning Talbot isn’t the only school to benefit. Classrooms
and a multipurpose room will be used by departments
across campus.
Continue the May Miracle
Talbot East is currently under construc-
tion, with about $2.2 million still needed.
To make a gift, call (562) 903-4714, visit
biola.edu/giving or use the envelope
inserted in this magazine.
B I O L A