The University of Washington Biology department educates more STEM students than any other program in the state, and now it has a new centerpiece in the Perkins+Will-designed Life Science Building (LSB). The 207,000-sf facility features a separate 20,000-sf research and teaching greenhouse with 2,400 species of plants, and will eventually include a direct connection to the LSB.
LSB was designed for team-focused collaboration with offices, laboratories, and common-use spaces in close proximity to each other. The research and teaching areas are open, modular, and flexible to adapt to emerging research questions that require new methods and instruments. A suspended staircase with oversized landing areas further encourages collaboration while a courtyard and rooftop deck provide outdoors space for students and staff. Perhaps LSB’s most unique element is its elevator core that is wrapped in custom-milled slabs from 200-foot Douglas fir trees.
See Also: Suffolk breaks ground on large housing/dining complex for UMass Dartmouth
LSB is tracking to LEED Gold and features sustainability elements such as vertical glass solar fins on its exterior, operable windows for natural ventilation, chilled beams and waves, a water reclamation system for greenhouse irrigation, radiant floors, and rooftop solar panels. The vertical solar glass fins alone are anticipated to generate enough electricity to light more than 12,400 sf of offices throughout the year.
In addition to Perkins+Will, the build team included: Coughlin Porter Lundeen (SE and CE), Affiliated Engineers (mechanical and electrical engineering), Skanska USA (general contractor), McKinstry (mechanical contractor), VECA Electric (electrical contractor), and Gustafson Guthrie Nichol (landscape architect).
Related Stories
Mass Timber | Apr 25, 2024
Bjarke Ingels Group designs a mass timber cube structure for the University of Kansas
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and executive architect BNIM have unveiled their design for a new mass timber cube structure called the Makers’ KUbe for the University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design. A six-story, 50,000-sf building for learning and collaboration, the light-filled KUbe will house studio and teaching space, 3D-printing and robotic labs, and a ground-level cafe, all organized around a central core.
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 16, 2024
Mexico’s ‘premier private academic health center’ under design
The design and construction contract for what is envisioned to be “the premier private academic health center in Mexico and Latin America” was recently awarded to The Beck Group. The TecSalud Health Sciences Campus will be located at Tec De Monterrey’s flagship healthcare facility, Zambrano Hellion Hospital, in Monterrey, Mexico.
University Buildings | Apr 10, 2024
Columbia University to begin construction on New York City’s first all-electric academic research building
Columbia University will soon begin construction on New York City’s first all-electric academic research building. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), the 80,700-sf building for the university’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons will provide eight floors of biomedical research and lab facilities as well as symposium and community engagement spaces.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 2, 2024
How university rec centers are evolving to support wellbeing
In a LinkedIn Live, Recreation & Wellbeing’s Sadat Khan and Abby Diehl joined HOK architect Emily Ostertag to discuss the growing trend to design and program rec centers to support mental wellbeing and holistic health.
Student Housing | Feb 21, 2024
Student housing preleasing continues to grow at record pace
Student housing preleasing continues to be robust even as rent growth has decelerated, according to the latest Yardi Matrix National Student Housing Report.
University Buildings | Feb 21, 2024
University design to help meet the demand for health professionals
Virginia Commonwealth University is a Page client, and the Dean of the College of Health Professions took time to talk about a pressing healthcare industry need that schools—and architects—can help address.
Higher Education | Feb 9, 2024
Disability and architecture: ADA and universal design at college campuses
To help people with disabilities feel part of the campus community, higher education institutions and architects must strive to create settings that not only adhere to but also exceed ADA guidelines.
Laboratories | Jan 25, 2024
Tactical issues for renovating university research buildings
Matthew Plecity, AIA, ASLA, Principal, GBBN, highlights the connection between the built environment and laboratory research, and weighs the benefits of renovation vs. new construction.
University Buildings | Jan 18, 2024
Houston’s Rice University opens the largest research facility on its core campus
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the 251,400-sf building provides students and researchers with state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, offices, and a cafe, in addition to multiple gathering spaces.
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | Jan 17, 2024
Waterproofing deep foundations for new construction
This continuing education course, by Walter P Moore's Amos Chan, P.E., BECxP, CxA+BE, covers design considerations for below-grade waterproofing for new construction, the types of below-grade systems available, and specific concerns associated with waterproofing deep foundations.