Interdisciplinary Research

Cornell University is constructing the $54 million Atkinson Hall in Ithaca, N.Y. Designed by Lake Flato and SWBR Architects, the 104,000-gsf facility will meet the diverse needs of four unique programs, all of which are university-wide in scope. The multidisciplinary research building will house and support the growth of the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, the Department of Computational Biology, the Center for Cancer Biology, and the Center for Immunology, including the Friedman Center for Nutrition and Inflammation.

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is constructing a 39,200-sf research facility to catalyze innovation and discovery in engineering, computing, and the sciences. Built to accommodate unknown end users, the two-story structure will offer 18 flexible laboratories that can be customized to support wet, dry, or multimodal programs. The highly adaptable project was designed by HBT Architects, now part of MRB Group. DGA Builders is acting as construction manager with occupancy anticipated in fall of 2024.

Morgan State University is planning to break ground in early 2024 on the $342 million Science and Research Complex in Baltimore. Designed by Moody Nolan in association with CannonDesign and K. Dixon Architecture, the 246,000-gsf facility will provide next-generation environments for programs in biology and chemistry.

University of Nebraska Medical Center broke ground in November of 2023 on the $105 million Campus Operations and Research Excellence (CORE) building in Omaha. Designed by LEO A DALY, the six-level, 180,870-gsf structure will feature three stories of state-of-the-art wet labs, including a 30,800-sf floor for research programs in oncology, drug discovery, and other strategic priorities. Approximately 61,600 sf of leasable shell space will accommodate private tenants or supply additional capacity for future growth.

The Richard King Mellon Hall of Sciences (RKM HoS), designed as a flexible, next-generation home for the future of science at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), will enable researchers and students from across the university to interact on projects in the foundational sciences, computer sciences, machine learning, data analytics, and contemporary art.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania opened the $90 million Kopchick Hall in November of 2023 in Indiana, Pa. Featuring a state-of-the-art planetarium, the 142,536-gsf facility provides the Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics with over 51,600 sf of lab space where students can work side-by-side with faculty on shared research projects. Specialized research venues include an imaging lab, an anatomy lab, a laser lab, a circadian rhythm lab, an aquatics facility, and a vivarium.

The University of Florida opened the $150 million Malachowsky Hall for Data Science & Information Technology in Gainesville in November of 2023. Designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and Walker Architects, the 263,440-sf facility is a dynamic catalyst for the application of advanced computing and artificial intelligence technologies to a broad spectrum of industries.

Virginia Tech opened the $79 million Data and Decision Sciences Building in October of 2023 in Blacksburg. Designed by Moseley Architects, the 120,000-gsf facility features technology-rich learning environments for programs in computer science, engineering, statistics, and other data-related fields. Fostering interaction between multiple colleges and departments, the transdisciplinary structure provides nine flexible classrooms, 32 student team rooms, 75 faculty offices, conference rooms, and specialized labs for data visualization and analysis.

The University of California, San Francisco is planning to construct the $842 million Research and Academic Building on its Parnassus Heights campus. Designed by HGA and Snøhetta to foster interdisciplinary exchange and discovery, the 300,000-gsf facility will provide advanced laboratories for programs in oncology, microbiology, immunology, and cell biology.

The trend toward multidisciplinary science education facilities necessitates designs that are flexible and adaptable, with larger uniform lab modules and large spaces that can be divided into smaller rooms when needed.

The University of Toronto was able to repurpose leased space in an off-campus office tower into biosafety research labs for its Temerty Faculty of Medicine by implementing innovative HVAC solutions and modular design. Filtered ductless fume hoods obviated the need to vent exhaust up 20 stories to the roof, and a flexible floorplan can accommodate fluctuating research teams.

Rice University opened the Ralph S. O'Connor Building for Engineering and Science in September of 2023 in Houston. Designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill with Scientia Architects as laboratory design consultant, the $152 million facility provides maker spaces, seminar rooms, a dedicated prototyping center, two classrooms, and nearly 50 labs. Flexible office areas include touchdown spaces for faculty, graduate students, and staff. Housing the George R.

University of Chicago Medicine broke ground in September of 2023 on an $815 million cancer center that will provide world-class environments for research and treatment. CannonDesign's architectural vision for the freestanding facility will radically elevate the patient experience by bringing together clinicians, investigators, and physician-scientists to optimize the delivery of team-based care.

Northeastern University opened the $300 million EXP building in September of 2023 in Boston. Featuring a 15,000-sf maker space, the 357,000-sf facility offers active learning environments, teaching and research labs, executive offices, a faculty club, and a café. A range of meeting and collaboration venues will catalyze interdisciplinary discovery and exchange.

Generative AI technologies like ChatGPT and DALL-E are expected to dramatically impact the design of science and research facilities by expediting creative ideation, improving process efficiency, and driving scientific innovation. To clear up some of the common misconceptions and learn how facility designers are actually using AI in the real world, Tradeline interviewed a cross-section of industry-leading professionals who specialize in science and research facilities to find out if—and how—they’re using AI technologies and what they see as some of the potential risks and benefits.