This LEED Platinum academic building is the centerpiece of the University of Arizona’s premier earth science and environmental research program. ENR II demonstrates a truly integrated holistic solution to sustainability, serving as a living and learning laboratory promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and research.

Physically modeled after a southwest desert slot canyon, the building includes an outdoor center courtyard and landscaped terraces of varying shapes and sizes, creating the look of canyon walls while providing shaded areas for outdoor collaboration. The canyon courtyard forms the outdoor lobby for the building, creating a powerful and dramatic centerpiece. High occupancy classrooms, a 575-seat auditorium, and a cyber cafe are all located along the ground floor court, animating the canyon and providing for the important social interaction and interdisciplinary mixing that is critical in the contemporary academic environment. On the floors above, communal spaces and research labs surround the canyon courtyard, accessible by landscaped terraces.

This extensive use of exterior circulation and gathering space, reduces the need for additional internal conditioned space and dramatically reduces the energy consumption of the facility by reducing the overall cooling load. Flanking academic office blocks are organized about the central naturally lit courtyard. The planning of these office areas provides flexibility and adaptability over the lifespan of the building and assures the penetration of natural light into the building core.

The ENR II building incorporates energy saving design strategies including displacement ventilation, active chilled beams, lighting control system integrated with the HVAC control system, and LED outdoor lighting. Water conservation is a primary component of the building’s design. Elevated planters of native vegetation are irrigated with 100% non-potable water from rainwater and condensate water collected from building cooling systems. Rainwater is collected into a 55,000-gallon underground storage tank. Given its building materials, multi-functional elements, and durability, ENR II is anticipated to last at least 100 years. (CMAR)