Arup, a multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm with a reputation for delivering innovative and sustainable designs, has completed structural engineering services at the State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University Institute for Human Performance. Arup worked with architect Goody Clancy on the new $72 million, 158,000 s/f building addition that focuses on neuroscience and related diseases of the brain.
Goody Clancy and Arup faced the challenge of how to connect the new addition, referred to as the Upstate Neuroscience Research Building, with the older building so the entire project could function as one. The multi-disciplined design team achieved this goal by creating a two-story, 300 ft. long light-filled atrium. The atrium acts as the building's spine, stretching the entire length of the new building, linking the original building to the new addition and housing labs, conference rooms, and lounges. These flexibly designed spaces are clustered together to promote researcher collaboration and interaction. Chameleon-like iridescent metal panels on the exterior of the new building contrast with the original building's brick to give the addition a unique identity while livening up the neighborhood with its dynamic coloration.
The building was designed for LEED Silver certification, which is awarded to structures that reduce waste, conserve energy and water, and are healthier and safer for occupants. The structural design of the building originated in Arup's Boston office, and construction and engineering occurred in New York.
"We have worked with Arup in the past and it was exciting to team with them again for this very important medical research building project," said Arjun Mande, AIA, LEED AP, project architect and senior associate at Goody Clancy. "The building design is open and communal in order to bring together groups of investigators with vast expertise and resources needed to solve complex medical problems. Arup enabled the project to move forward successfully by integrating our vision for the building with structural integrity so the complex works as a unified whole."
A ribbon cutting celebration and presentation were held last fall and the building is presently being prepared for occupancy. The major tenants of the newly expanded building will be investigators whose research is focused on diseases of the central nervous system.
"Today, science is a team effort, and bringing our community of scientists together into a more shared, open working environment will foster greater collaboration," said Rosemary Rochford, PhD, vice president for research at SUNY Upstate Medical University. "In turn, this will lead to more discoveries that will improve the quality of people's lives. Our new building encourages this essential exchange of ideas." Tags: