Scope

The Meinel Optical Sciences Research Lab Project is a 47,000 SF expansion and 15,000 SF renovation for the Optical Sciences Department at the University of Arizona, in Tucson. The building contains state of the art optical research labs, teaching labs, classrooms, interaction areas, and research offices for the world-renowned research program.

Site

The project occupies the last open site at one of the most prominent corners on the University mall.  Two of the primary siting goals were to reinforce the southern edge of the mall, and the respond to the repetitive nature of the mall buildings. Rather than internalizing courtyard space, a landscaped terrace was developed at the corner intersection, creating usable shade and a natural connection to the mall edge making the gentle transition down to the exhibit area and adjacent amphitheater. Due to the elevated entry level of the existing building and the sloping topography, the building lowest level is approximately 7 feet below the corner of the mall and Cherry Avenue. The integration of the building into the ground plane reduces the overall height while still allowing a permeable open level at the lowest level. This terraced transition will provide shade and water and act as an extension of the plaza program space.

Function

The building organization emphasizes the contrast of “blind” and “seeing” spaces. Light sensitive research functions are organized along the southern side of the building, windowed office and support open to natural light and views to the primary campus mall and mountain views to the north. Vertical circulation, discussion, and conference spaces are located in the internalized core to maximize the interaction amongst researchers and staff.  At the lowest level of the building, a two-story lobby space opens to the auditorium and houses displays and exhibits related to optical research. The ground level houses the primary building services and air handling rooms. On the top level a large conference room and breakout space are adjacent to the roof terrace. Existing undergraduate laboratories and discussion spaces were also renovated within the existing building, and the original entry was captured as a library reading room.

Form

The building is conceived as an abstraction of the Camera Obscura or “Dark Room”.  Within the simple volume, daylight is introduced by a series of apertures, interacting and modulating the spaces within. Three vertical light shafts penetrate the building and terminate in a series of two-story interaction spaces. Each shaft will feature specific optical effect, allowing natural daylight to actively integrate into daily activities within the building.

Material

The cast in place concrete building is sheathed in a copper alloy treated to a reddened bronze color, recalling the color of the campus brick in an interpretive way. The material creates lightness to the building mass that brick would not allow, but still maintains a response to the campus brick vocabulary. The skin is designed as a breathable “rain screen”, which protects the inner membrane from the elements and eliminates the need for surface sealant joints. These thermally broken exterior panels shade the envelope of the building from the harsh desert sun. This approach effectively eliminates the need to maintain the skin for the life of the building. The folds in the exterior skin allow for rainwater leaders and lab exhaust to exit the building, giving the building a purposeful sculpted form.

The northern glass wall is folded as a response to the existing Optical Sciences Buildings textural façade. As an interpretation of a Fresnel lens, its simultaneous use of reflection and transparency create an apparent mass recalling the rhythm and texture of the existing buildings precast façade. By attenuating the amount of the glazing that faces northwest, the façade minimizes the solar impact of setting sun angles while maximizing views for the faculty offices and conference spaces.

Building services are carefully organized and expressed, conveying the technical nature of the building, and provides an intrinsic visual interest to building occupants. Horizontal utility trays circle each floor permitting easy access and clear order to the building systems. This tray contains mechanical, electrical, data and lighting down the corridor and into each of the spaces. The tray is sheathed in perforated metal panels allowing a veiled view of the organized systems within, and easy access for maintenance. (CMAR)