The Universities at Shady Grove Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Education Facility Achieves Multiple Industry Awards
AEI is pleased to announce The Universities at Shady Grove’s Biomedical Sciences and Engineering (BSE) Education Facility has recently been recognized in numerous industry awards programs.
Characterized by engineering and design excellence, the innovative BSE sets a new global standard for diversity-driven, highly sustainable academic research settings — a flagship facility focusing on premier education and community impact.
A testament to engineering and design excellence, the BSE has been recognized by the Maryland Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Maryland), the Georgia Chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA Georgia), and the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) National Capital Region in the following awards programs announced in 2021.
Aerial view of The Universities at Shady Grove's flagship Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Education Facility.
Excellence in Design Awards, AIA Maryland
The annual AIA Maryland Excellence in Design Awards showcase recognizes project collaboration in support of improving the built environment. Honored with a Jury Citation, the BSE is highlighted for its dedication to environmental stewardship. Through a wide range of high-performance strategies and biophilic design, the project is commended for creating a strong connection to the local site ecology while minimizing impact to the adjacent wetlands — the historic Piney Branch watershed.
Community Leader Awards, USGBC National Capital Region
Announced at the twentieth annual A Midsummer Night’s Green celebration — virtually hosted by the USGBC National Capital Region in conjunction with USGBC Maryland and USGBC Virginia — the annual Community Leader Awards program highlights outstanding achievements in sustainable design and local community impact. Earning an esteemed Judge’s Choice Award, the LEED Platinum-certified BSE was applauded for its widespread community impact and role in not only transforming the Mid-Atlantic region but setting a new global standard for elevated academic design.
The BSE's exterior boasts abundant natural landscaping and gathering spaces.
Warm, nature-inspired materials and finishes help contribute to the concept of biophilic design, connecting BSE occupants to the outdoor world.
Best of the Best Awards, IIDA Georgia
Reflecting an overarching mission to enhance quality of life through interior design excellence, IIDA Georgia’s prestigious Best of the Best Design Awards Gala recognizes extraordinary projects that push beyond limits and challenge the status quo. As one of the most sustainably designed academic research facilities in the country, the BSE serves as a catalyst for educational excellence, community impact, and environmental stewardship, achieving Learn — Best of Education in IIDA Georgia's awards celebration last May.
Additional Awards
Announced at a joint awards ceremony held last October by the Montgomery County Planning Department (Montgomery Planning) and co-hosted by the AIA Potomac Valley Chapter (AIAPV), the BSE was honored with the following awards:
- 2021 Honor/PV Award, AIA Potomac Valley Excellence in Design Awards
- 2021 Design Excellence Award for Excellence in Building and Site Design, Montgomery Planning Design Excellence Awards
With an emphasis on outstanding design, landscape architecture, and urbanism that impacts the region and larger state of Maryland, the jury highlights the BSE’s thoughtful, holistic approach to overall campus design and sustainability.
The BSE incorporates a wide range of sustainable design strategies, including vertical shade sails to offset thermal heating and cooling loads.