UMass Chan Medical School Opens New Education and Research Building

The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School opened the $325 million New Education and Research Building in June of 2024 in Worcester. ZGF Architects and ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge designed the 350,000-sf project to drive discovery in gene therapy, molecular medicine, and the neurosciences, as well as housing the departments of neurology and neurobiology. Featuring advanced core facilities to support basic research and translational studies, the nine-story tower includes an FDA-compliant manufacturing center for clinical trial therapeutics. The future-facing development accommodates over 70 principal investigators, as well as providing instructional venues capable of serving larger class sizes to address the shortage of physicians, nurses, and health professionals in the commonwealth and the nation.

The collaborative facility is illuminated by natural light and offers a variety of social spaces connected by active circulation routes to promote interaction and enhance occupant wellbeing. The structure utilizes a double-skin façade, geothermal heat pumps, and highly efficient mechanical systems. Shawmut Design and Construction began work in early 2021 on the project, which is targeting LEED Gold certification while striving for net-zero energy performance.