University of Washington, Life Sciences Building

{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[],"markups":[],"sections":[[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Nature and technology converge at the\nUniversity of Washington\u2019s Life Sciences Building, a 207,000-square-foot\nfacility that houses 40 principal investigators and their teams in a healthy\nand collaborative environment. The building replaces two antiquated facilities,\nallowing the biology department\u2019s faculty to transform how it conducts research\nand how it teaches the subject to a rapidly growing student population. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Ranging from molecules to ecosystems,\nbiology is an extremely varied science, one that also hinges on collaboration\nand is technically power intensive. The building is designed to meet its users\u2019\npower, temperature, and humidity control demands while fostering collaboration\nin an environment where undergraduate research mimics science itself."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"This next-level facility creates an\necotone, a term for the transitional region between two biological communities,\nin its program and design, where the technology behind the science of biology\nintersects with the study of our natural world. Its southern exterior is\ncomposed of metal, glass, and energy-generating solar fins that represent advances\nin technology, while its northern exterior encompasses natural wood and visual\nconnections to a treasured deodar cedar tree canopy lining the campus\u2019 woodland\npaths. They converge at a six-story, 1,000-square-foot glass atrium that\nconnects both ends. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Core concepts that drove the project\nresulted in teaching and research spaces that are flexible and efficient, and ample\ninformal interaction spaces are scattered throughout the building. The design\nwas able to accommodate 18 more principal investigators than originally planned,\nand the building\u2019s labs, offices, and conference rooms boast natural light and\noutdoor vistas. A feature stair with oversized landings that encourage\nunprompted encounters between scientists and students hangs in the glass\natrium. The high-tech glass system surrounding the stair seems to disappear as\nusers look out onto a public courtyard, one of the campus\u2019 primary\nthoroughfares. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Displaying the new building\u2019s sustainability\nand making it a part of the school\u2019s education efforts was another project goal.\nIts greenhouse research space and renowned plant collection are just steps away\nfrom a pedestrian trail, while other unique plants from biology courses were\nintegrated into the landscape that cascades from the building\u2019s west entrance.\nThe nearly 500 photovoltaic fins on the southwest facade serve as a constant\nreminder of sustainable innovation, feeding real-time data to dashboards in the\nlobby that invite students to compare it to the energy generated by standard\nsolar panels on the roof. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Since opening, the Life\nSciences Building has helped the university meet growing demand for the largest\ndepartment on campus and the largest STEM program in Washington. Students were\nintimately involved in the design process, partnering with the design team on\nits solar innovations and grant funding. They remained involved during the\ndesign and construction phases, solidifying an engagement that has continued after\nthe project\u2019s completion. "]]]]}