Client: University of Arkansas
Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Size: 22,000 SF
Project Type: Higher Education Research Facility
Features: Eight Cleanrooms, Research Laboratories, Offices, Building Support Spaces, Future Expansion Space
Design Team: WDD Architects, DLR Group, Tsoi Kobus Design
The National Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Laboratory (MUSiC) is a 22,000-square-foot research facility located on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Designed by WDD Architects in partnership with DLR Group and Tsoi Kobus Design, the facility supports advanced silicon carbide (SiC) research, semiconductor fabrication, workforce development, and industry collaboration.
As one of the nation’s most advanced silicon carbide research and prototyping environments, the MUSiC Lab brings together researchers, students, government agencies, and private industry partners to advance innovation in next-generation energy, transportation, aerospace, data center, and semiconductor technologies. The facility’s open-access model encourages collaboration while providing opportunities for research, technology development, prototyping, and workforce training.
The project strengthens Arkansas’s position in semiconductor research and advanced manufacturing while creating hands-on learning opportunities for University of Arkansas students and future technology professionals.
The one-story facility includes eight cleanrooms dedicated to semiconductor research and fabrication, along with offices, building support spaces, and core/shell space for future expansion. While the building presents a simple exterior form, its highly specialized infrastructure supports the complex systems required for advanced laboratory operations.
Designed to accommodate both current and future research needs, the facility provides a flexible environment that supports innovation, collaboration, and technological advancement.
In announcing the facility, the University of Arkansas highlighted the MUSiC Lab’s role in advancing semiconductor research, workforce development, and industry collaboration:
“By integrating fabrication, design and systems testing, it creates a rare educational pipeline preparing graduates for careers and research in power electronics, energy, and semiconductors. The facility’s open-access model welcomes academic, government, and private-sector collaborators, offering unique opportunities for prototyping, small-volume production and custom process development — all designed to accelerate innovation and workforce readiness.” – University of Arkansas (Read the Article)
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Photo credit: Russell Cothren
