Initiated as part of a circulation study performed in 1989, the Research Building is part of an overall master plan expansion program to double the university's current capacity. The new facility allows scientists to search for a cancer cure using an array of research activities from basic science discoveries to clinical applications.

A Modular, Flexible Building Design
A racetrack design is implemented on four of the building's seven levels. This design maximizes space by placing laboratories and offices around a central support area. Laboratory areas are interchangeable, allowing the building to meet varying research protocols and new technologies. The clustered, modular design also promotes interaction between staff. Laboratory and office areas, located along the building's perimeter, are designed to maximize natural lighting.

Project Information
Building Owner:		University of Texas Medical Center/MD Anderson Cancer Center
Owner Contact:		Julie Collins, Associate Vice President for Research
Building Location:		Houston, TX UNITED STATES
Project Type:		New Construction
Principal Building Function:		Cancer Research
Project Delivery Method:		Fast Track
Project Timeline		Jun 1992 Planning Start Sep 1992 Design Start May 1993 Construction Start May 1997 Target Completion
Project Cost:		$58,000,000
Construction Cost:		$47,000,000
Cost Per Sq. Ft:		$204
		About These Cost Figures
Building Information
Project Includes:		Laboratory: Biomedical Research Office
Total GSF:		230,400
Total NSF:		109,191
Efficiency:		48%
Building Services:		RO, A, V, G, CO2, N2
Office Size:		10'x10' NSF
Power Req:		Lighting: 2 watts/nsf Receptacles: 3 watts/nsf Equipment: 15 watts/nsf Emergency Generators: 4 1500-kw diesel generators with one back-up
HVAC Req:		2 86,000 cfm 1 65,000 cfm 1 45,000 cfm
Structure/Foundation:		Cast in-place concrete pan joist system with mat foundation
Laboratory Parameters
Lab Module:		10'6" x 33'
Casework Mat'l:		Metal; acid resistant plastic laminate
Fume Hoods:		five 4' fume hoods thirty-five 6' fume hoods eight 4' isotope fume hoods two 6' isotope fume hoods
Biosafety Cabinets:		ten 6' BSC type IIB2 thirteen 6' BSC type IIB1 thirty-six 6' BSC type IIA three 4' BSC type B2 twenty-seven 4' BSC type IIB1 thirty-five 4' BSC type IIA
Project Team
Consultant - Air Quality		CPP Inc.
Consultant - Laboratory Planner		Earl Walls Associates
Supplier		NUAIRE Inc.
Supplier		The Baker Company
Supplier - Fume Hood Controls		Phoenix Controls Corporation
Profile Created 08/01/1998
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.