The recently completed Engineering Research Center (ERC) at Brown University provides the school with 80,000 sf of space across three-floors. The building houses specialized research facilities for nanomaterials, photonics, and environmental science to help expand research in renewable energy and advanced materials.
Among the new $88-million facility’s spaces are an 8,000-sf cleanroom for nanomaterials, microelectronics, and photonics, an imaging suite, a bioimaging suite, 22 open-plan research labs, 116 dedicated workstations for graduate students, 20 lab modules, 10 conference/meeting spaces, and a café.
Photo: Warren Jagger Photography.
Also included are the Hazeltine Commons on the building’s first floor and Giancarlo Plaza, a green space outside the building’s front doors. These two spaces are designed to create an “intellectual community” for faculty and students from across the campus.
The ERC is is tracking LEED Gold Certification with an energy and performance goal of 25% better than minimum efficiency and performance criteria established in the Rhode Island-adopted International Energy Conservation Code. Among the building’s sustainable features are 60 glass reinforced concrete vertical fins to manage solar gain, four water-filling stations, and a façade made from 40% glass to capture natural daylight and lower energy costs.
Photo: Warren Jagger Photography.
Shawmut Design and Construction used Integrated Project Delivery and Lean Construction delivery methods to finish the building months ahead of schedule. This is the first time a Brown University building was completed using these methods.
See Also: Virginia Commonwealth has at least three major expansion projects under construction
Photo: Warren Jagger Photography.
Photo: Warren Jagger Photography.
Related Stories
| Feb 5, 2013
8 eye-popping wood building projects
From 100-foot roof spans to novel reclaimed wood installations, the winners of the 2013 National Wood Design Awards push the envelope in wood design.
| Jan 29, 2013
Trinitas and Harrison Street Break Ground Near University of Kentucky
The 699-bed Collegiate on Angliana, with an anticipated opening date of August 2013, will serve students attending the University of Kentucky (UK).
| Jan 18, 2013
BLT Architects Selected to Complete New Project for Drexel University
The Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships is expected to open in 2014
| Jan 2, 2013
Trends Report: New facilities enhance the quality of campus life
Colleges and universities are building state-of-the-art student unions, dining halls, and other non-academic buildings to enrich the campus experience, boost enrollment, and stay competitive.
| Dec 9, 2012
AIA: Laboratory design, building for breakthrough science
To earn 1.0 AIA/CES learning units, study the article carefully and take the exam.
| Dec 6, 2012
Cornell University students finding solace on indoor library lawns
Potted plants and comfortable chairs are placed around the grass, encouraging students to lounge there during one of the most stressful times of the academic year.
| Nov 20, 2012
PC Construction completes Juniper Hall at Champlain College
Juniper Hall is on track for LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
| Nov 13, 2012
Have colleges + universities gone too far with "Quality of Life" buildings?
We'd like your input - recent projects, photo/s, renderings, and expert insight - on an important article we're working on for our Jan 2013 issue
| Nov 11, 2012
Greenbuild 2012 Report: Higher Education
More and more colleges and universities see sustainainably designed buildings as a given
