The University of Illinois’s new Electrical and Computer Engineering Building has been named R&D Magazine’s 2016 Laboratory of the Year.
SmithGroupJJR designed the $95 million, 230,000-sf research facility. Located on the school’s Urbana campus, the ECE Building contains the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE Illinois), which is known for its research in transistors, integrated circuits, LEDs and plasma displays.
The award, in its 50th year, honors new and renovated labs that promote sustainable practices and creativity in the design of modern laboratories.
The designers stressed energy efficiency. The building uses 50% less energy than minimum building energy efficiency standards, and it is targeting a LEED Platinum certification. Some of the sustainable feature include high-performance LED lighting, heat recovery chillers with net metering, and a chilled beam cooling system.
A terra cotta rainscreen system covers 70% of the building envelope, while double paned glass covers the remaining 30. Solar screens and a three-story canopy of angled louvers protect the building’s glazing from solar heat gain.
At nearly double the size of the old Everitt Laboratory, the ECE Building has space for separate labs and classrooms, and a lobby with communal seating.
"Our goal was to deliver a building that represents the stature of this world-renowned department, positions its students and researchers at the forefront of emerging technology, and acts as a catalyst for efficient building energy standards on the ILLINOIS campus,” SmithGroupJJR Project Manager Carolina Lopez, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, said in a statement. “This award is a testament of that unparalleled effort and proof that this facility goes beyond bricks and mortar to represent the department’s mission and values.”
Two Illinois-based firms were also on the Building Team. Williams Brothers Construction was the prime contractor and KJWW Engineering Consultants served as mechanical engineer. Construction was completed in 2014.
Related Stories
| Mar 12, 2014
14 new ideas for doors and door hardware
From a high-tech classroom lockdown system to an impact-resistant wide-stile door line, BD+C editors present a collection of door and door hardware innovations.
| Feb 25, 2014
Are these really the 'world's most spectacular university buildings'? [slideshow]
Emporis lists its top 13 higher education buildings from around the world. Do you agree with the rankings?
| Feb 24, 2014
First look: UC San Diego opens net-zero biological research lab
The facility is intended to be "the most sustainable laboratory in the world," and incorporates natural ventilation, passive cooling, high-efficiency plumbing, and sustainably harvested wood.
| Feb 14, 2014
Crowdsourced Placemaking: How people will help shape architecture
The rise of mobile devices and social media, coupled with the use of advanced survey tools and interactive mapping apps, has created a powerful conduit through which Building Teams can capture real-time data on the public. For the first time, the masses can have a real say in how the built environment around them is formed—that is, if Building Teams are willing to listen.
| Feb 13, 2014
University officials sound off on net zero energy buildings
As part of its ongoing ZNE buildings research project, Sasaki Associates, in collaboration with Buro Happold, surveyed some 500 campus designers and representatives on the top challenges and opportunities for achieving net-zero energy performance on university and college campuses.
| Feb 4, 2014
World's fifth 'living building' certified at Smith College [slideshow]
The Bechtel Environmental Classroom utilizes solar power, composting toilets, and an energy recovery system, among other sustainable strategies, to meet the rigorous performance requirements of the Living Building Challenge.
| Feb 4, 2014
Must see: Student housing complex made with recycled shipping containers
Architect Christian Salvati's new structure is just the first step in bringing shipping container construction to New Haven, Conn.
| Jan 31, 2014
6 considerations for rehabbing student union buildings
Most colleges and universities feel pressure to offer the latest amenities in order to attract and retain the best and brightest students. While hauling in the bulldozer to create modern facilities is attractive in some regards, deciding to renovate can be just as effective and, in some cases, even preferable to new construction.
| Jan 29, 2014
Notre Dame to expand football stadium in largest project in school history
The $400 million Campus Crossroads Project will add more than 750,000 sf of academic, student life, and athletic space in three new buildings attached to the school's iconic football stadium.
| Jan 28, 2014
16 awe-inspiring interior designs from around the world [slideshow]
The International Interior Design Association released the winners of its 4th Annual Global Excellence Awards. Here's a recap of the winning projects.
