PROFILE: University of Massachusetts, Amherst -- Integrated Sciences Building, Phase One

Phase One of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst's new Integrated Sciences Building (ISB) includes classrooms and state-of-the-art laboratories for biochemistry, biology, chemistry, life sciences, and molecular biology. The 173,000-gsf facility's pedestrian-oriented siting channels the flow of people from the academic campus through a terraced courtyard and into the concourse. A dramatic four-story steel and glass passageway runs the entire length of the classroom wing, guiding students through a series of balconies, bridges and stairs that facilitate movement between levels, wings, laboratories, and classrooms. The enormous south-facing window creates a "Showcase of Science" to the courtyard and east campus beyond.

“The wonderful window wall, the inviting staircases, the fluidity of travel from one space to another, the fun and appealing informal interaction spaces all combine to create a place where students interact comfortably and where state-of-the-art science teaching is encouraged,” says Lila Gierasch, distinguished professor, Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Department of Chemistry.

The Integrated Sciences Building meets LEED Silver requirements and represents a new model for energy efficiency at the University. The south-facing concourse curtainwall is protected from excessive heat gain by a terra cotta louver sunscreen that is supported by a steel exoskeleton of horizontal and vertical trusses. The exo-skeleton provides structural support while providing embedded catwalks to facilitate window washing.

Ventilation impact is reduced through 150 high-efficiency, low-flow fume hoods, reduced air charge rates, and an enthalpy wheel heat recovery system. Other energy reductions include water reclamation, a green roof, rubber flooring, and extensive use of bamboo in the millwork and casework. Convenient, well-placed staircases minimize elevator usage. The building exterior is a juxtaposition of brick and curtainwall elements. The primary material of the building is warm-toned red brick with bronze accents, matching the nearby buildings. The concourse employs a four story high curtainwall sunscreen of gray terracotta rods that also serves to complement the brickwork. Unique study modules (also known as “treehouses”) appear to float within the sunscreen and are clad with terra cotta tile.

When completed, the 155,000-gsf Phase Two component of the ISB will add life sciences classrooms, upper level molecular biology and biochemistry laboratories, as well as additional research laboratories for the departments of Biology and Chemistry. Both phases are designed as three wings extending the current L-shape into a U-shape that will enclose the courtyard at the northern end of the Stockbridge campus open space. The completed project will include two laboratory wings, at the east and west of the courtyard, joined by a shared classroom wing to the north.

“The Integrated Sciences Building’s design captures the goals articulated by many faculty members over several years of planning,” says Gierasch. “We wanted a building that fostered interaction among different traditional physical and life sciences disciplines, invited collaboration, inspired student interest, offered the best science teaching spaces possible, and retained warmth and beauty while doing all of this.”

Project Information

Building Owner:

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Building Location:

Amherst, Mass. UNITED STATES

Project Type:

New Construction

Principal Building Function:

Life sciences teaching and research facility

Project Delivery Method:

Design/Build

Project Cost:

$114,500,000

Construction Cost:

$92,700,000

Cost Per Sq. Ft:

$532

About These Cost Figures

Building Information

Project Includes:

Education: Life Sciences

Total GSF:

173,000

Project Team

Architect

Payette

Consultant - MEP Engineer

R.G. Vanderweil Engineers

Consultant - Structural Engineer

Lim Consultants

General Contractor

Gilbane Building Company

Interior Design

Payette

Laboratory Planner

Payette

Landscape Architect

Payette

Profile Created 02/16/2010

Last Updated 02/16/2010

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