Penn State's new Information Sciences and Technology (IST) Building is nearing completion and will open for classes at the beginning of the spring semester.

The structure will feature the Cybertorium, a 150-seat auditorium with 60 flat-screen computers, as a general classroom. It will include specially designed desks that accommodate groups and a 32-foot-wide by 16-foot-high video screen. "This is a unique building," Turner Construction Co. project executive Anne Pernell said. "We've never done this before."

Original plans for the building called for it to span Pollock Road. However, after evaluations from designers Rafael Viñoly Architects and Perfido Weiskopf Architects, connecting east and west campus over Atherton Street seemed more logical.

Completion is scheduled for the end of December. Pernell said the total cost is about $60 million. Funding came predominantly from private donors, but the university and state also contributed.

On the self-sustaining bridge above Atherton Street, there will be a 68-seat enclosed café and an open-air atrium with heated concrete to melt snow.

The main entrances will be on the second floor. The lobby will house the Penn State Computer Store and additional space for Document Services.

At the request of professors, moving chalkboards which slide to offer more storage space will be installed instead of dry erase boards. To allow for higher ceilings, all ductwork -- heating, ventilation, and air conditioning -- is below the floor.

The third floor houses office space for graduate assistants, professors and the dean of the IST school. For about every three IST or computer engineering professors, a collaborative space area has been constructed, which can function as a library or a conference room.

Although every room is wired for Internet access, the whole building (and 100 surrounding feet) will be wireless. "The IST building has a great, futuristic look that's befitting to the college," Paul Ruskin, Office of Physical Plant, spokesman said.

The building's dedication will occur on Jan. 22, but activity inside has already begun. Professors are moving in daily, along with new furniture and computers. Charles DuBois, IST marketing manager, moved into his new office on Monday. "I'm in a really beautiful, incredibly imaginative environment," he said. "There is not much more I could want. Having all IST and [computer science and engineering] facilities in one place is a fantastic opportunity for students and faculty."

IST Solutions Institute Director Cole Camplese said this building is different from any he has ever been in."Nothing compares to what this is like," he said.