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:		50
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
Supplier - Biosafety Cabinets		The Baker Company
Supplier - Fume Hood Controls		Phoenix Controls Corporation
Supplier - HVAC		Strobic Air Corporation
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.