University of Tennessee Constructs Energy and Environmental Science Research Building

The University of Tennessee is constructing the $95 million Energy and Environmental Science Building in Knoxville. Designed by Barber McMurry Architects and Lord Aeck Sargent, the 157,000-gsf facility will provide the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources with both interdisciplinary and specialized lab environments for teaching, research, and public service. Integrating advanced technological infrastructure, the four-story development will include classrooms, lecture halls, and offices for faculty, staff, and graduate students. Activated corridors with numerous collaboration nodes will encourage interaction and informal knowledge exchange, complemented by a large commons area with food service and a welcoming pedestrian plaza. The highly flexible and modular structure will feature a 500-seat auditorium that can be easily subdivided for smaller group sizes. This multifunctional space will leverage movable furniture to host academic functions during the day and informal gatherings on evenings and weekends. 

The sustainable facility will provide space for the U.S. Forest Inventory and Analysis program, as well as new offices and classrooms for the UT Institute of Agriculture. With connections to existing buildings on all levels creating a seamless learning community, the EESRB will be topped by a green roof that will act as an exterior living room encircled by research gardens. The Christman Company is the general contractor for the project, which broke ground in spring of 2021. Occupancy is expected in spring of 2024.