Biopsychological Sciences Building

The building houses research laboratories, animal holding facilities, data rooms, office space, and a multi-purpose seminar room. The seminar room contains flexible seating arrangements with data ports for laptop computers, audio visual capabilities for on-screen presentations, and black-out windows screens. The animal spaces have timer-controlled lighting and automated climate controls to regulate inside environments to suit specific studies. Additional animal support functions include a cage wash, equipment storage, and surgery space. The project incorporates completely new mechanical systems and conforms to AAALAC guidelines.

A new lobby was designed for the existing 20,000-sf science building along with the replacement and cleaning of the limestone. The 30,000-sf addition includes a new north bay and three stories situated directly above the existing facility. Through careful planning and construction, the design accommodates future technology and the growing number of students and staff.

The limestone facade and gothic-revival detailing of the addition compliment the existing science building and The University of Chicago's overall campus aesthetic. Interior finishes feature limestone walls and cherry wood paneling. The renovated lobby serves as an informal gathering space to exhibit student projects and faculty research. The space encourages interaction among researchers, students, and staff thus fostering a strong sense of community. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby provide natural light and continuity between the interior and exterior. Lobby doors open to a terrace with views of a campus courtyard. Telecommunication and data ports on the terrace and throughout the Biopsychological Sciences Building support the University's email and laptop computer initiative.

Project Information

Building Owner:

University of Chicago

Owner Contact:

Mary Brandon, Associate Dean of Social Sciences

Building Location:

Chicago, IL UNITED STATES

Project Type:

New Construction,Renovation

Principal Building Function:

Academic--Teaching and Research Laboratories

Project Delivery Method:

General Contractor

Project Timeline

Feb 1995	Planning Start
Apr 1995	Design Start
May 1997	Construction Start
Jan 1999	Target Completion

Project Cost:

$11,200,000

Construction Cost:

$10,800,000

Cost Per Sq. Ft:

$218

About These Cost Figures

Building Information

Project Includes:

Conference Room
Data Center
Education
Laboratory: Research
Laboratory: Teaching
Office
Vivarium

Total GSF:

49,750

Total NSF:

24,100

Efficiency:

48%

Building Population:

People Density:

995 gsf/person

Building Services:

DI, compressed air, gas, CO2, hot and cold water, vacuum

Special Equip:

Maintenance, vending, audio visual, loading dock, darkroom, laboratory, and office

Office Size:

50 - 200 NSF

HVAC Req:

10 to 15 air changes per hour for animal facilities and laboratories

Structure/Foundation:

Concrete frame and foundation/limestone on masonry backup and aluminum/glass curtainwall

Laboratory Parameters

Casework Mat'l:

Module steel laboratory casework

Fume Hoods:

10, averaging 6'

Biosafety Cabinets:

One Class II biosafety cabinet

Project Team

Architect

Holabird & Root

Builder

Graycor Construction Company Inc.

Engineer - MEP

Holabird & Root

Engineer - Structural

Holabird & Root

Laboratory Planner

Holabird & Root

Programming

Holabird & Root

Supplier - Biosafety Cabinets

The Baker Company

Supplier - Building Automation Controls

Johnson Controls Inc.

Supplier - Carpet

Mannington Commercial Inc.

Supplier - Casework

Fisher Hamilton

Supplier - Elevators

Dover Elevator Systems

Supplier - Fume Hood Controls

Phoenix Controls Corporation

Supplier - Fume Hoods

Fisher Hamilton

Supplier - HVAC

Strobic Air Corporation

Supplier - HVAC

McQuay International

Profile Created 07/07/2001

Last Updated 04/04/2006

About the Reported Cost Figures

The cost figures reported are supplied by the firms that submitted these projects for publication, which in most cases are the designers or builders. Whereas these sources are intimately familiar with their projects, they may not be fully aware of the owners' finally-realized and recorded costs. In some cases, costs are truly and completely accounted for, and in others they represent a near approximation of the final costs. Costs have not been adjusted for year of construction, nor has any attempt been made to make regional cost adjustments.

Further, costs are not comparable on any kind of detailed standard costing model. Hence, it is possible for the cost of one building to include a steam boiler, while the cost of a comparable building might not include the boiler, if steam is being supplied from an already existing campus grid. Or, in another case, a building might include excess boiler capacity to supply steam to another building. Some submittals include fees or unusual site improvements as part of the construction costs, which others do not.

Fig. 1

Sunlit Hall

Fig. 2

Exterior at Night