The Engineering Behind the Biomedical Sciences Partnership Building at University of Arizona

Connected to Health Sciences Education Building (HSEB) and core labs at the basement level, the new facility provides flexible, open space for interdisciplinary, interactive research maximizing opportunities to reconfigure lab and office space in response to changes in technology and research priorities. The building will also house offices, support space, conference rooms, and specialized core facilities.

Mechanical systems are designed for staff safety, reliability, ease of maintenance, and energy efficiency. DOAS air handlers located on each floor will provide primary air to chilled beams. Exhaust air will pass through an energy recovery system before discharging at the roof. The 12.47 kV electrical service will be via the University of Arizona's primary service that has been established on the campus. Multiple engine/generators will support the research functions taking place in the building.

What really sets this building apart is the façade. As one can discern, its façade is similar to the adjacent Health Sciences Educational Building and brings with it a southwestern desert look. Furthermore, the footprint of this building is not a rectangular box; it has texture and layers like rock formations of the southwest. Affiliated Engineers completed an analysis of that building to help the architects determine how much of a south overhang external shading would be feasible for the south-facing windows. This building also incorporates active chilled beams to reduce the amount of conditioned outdoor air to the space.

The LEED Silver certified building institutes various sustainable features, such as copper paneling made of 95 percent recycled materials, passive orientation, cascade air supply system, chilled beams in labs and open offices, and LED lighting throughout.