Biodesign Institute, Tempe, Arizona, USA

The construction of Arizona State University (ASU) Biodesign Institute (Phase 2) began in 2003 and finished in 2006. Located in Tempe, it’s an academic reseach laboratory, designed by Gould Evans jointly with Lord, Aeck and Sargent Architecture. According to the idea of the architectural team, the design of the Institute should symbolize the strong connection of science to the future. Building B of the Institute earned LEED Platinum certification. By the way, it was the first LEED-Platinum certified building in Arizona.

The designers of the building cared for the environmental quality and indoor working conditions. The upper and lower aluminum louvres prevent the heat gain in summer. 50% of construction waste was recycled. Water usage is reduced by 40%. The roof system consists of an array of photovoltaic solar panels. .

The second phase of the Institute was opened in October 2006. Project contractor was “DPR Construction, Inc.”. Floor area of the building is approximately 16,220 square meters (174.583 sq feet). Both buildings of the Institute are at the Tempe campus, near Terrace Road. The construction cost US $78,500,000. The unique laboratory, wrapped in glass, is armed with a special system which harvests the condensate - nearly 19,000 litres of water a day (5,000 gallons). .

The sunken garden, as well as the surroundings of the building give the students an opportunity to study the nature of the territory. The architects of the building also cared for pedestrians and bicyclers, creating pavements and lanes. Using the concept of the atrium, interior designers managed to solve the problem of daylight penetration which created a unique connection between the nature and the occupants of the building. .

By Astghik Atabekyan, www.building.am

Photos: www.gotarch.com