The 31,400 square-foot Jorgensen Laboratory houses two institutes at Caltech, Resnick Institute / JCAP, whose collective mission is to address the challenges in the generation, storage, transmission, and conservation of energy.

To create an appropriate new home for these two centers, the vacant Jorgensen Laboratory, a fortress-like concrete structure originally built in 1974, was transformed into a model of sustainability, energy efficiency, and collaborative creativity. Colors from the visible light spectrum (the rainbow) make up the palette for furniture, accent walls, floor patterns, and conference rooms. The first floor core of the building is wrapped with high-resolution satellite images of the rotating Earth. As the scientists circulate through the corridors, these dynamic images continuously remind them of the subject and importance of their research.

Various measures were taken to minimize energy use throughout, including a custom-designed display in the new entry Pavilion lobby that tracks how much energy the building is both using and generating. By physically displaying these systems, the building acts as an educational tool and users take part in energy conservation. The result: a LEED-Platinum certification.

AWARDS

• 2015 AIA California Council Design Merit Award

• 2013 U.S. Green Building Council: Energy & Atmosphere, Honorable Mention Award; Material & Resources, Award; IEQ, Honorable Mention Award,

• 2013 Southern California Development Forum Science & Technology Award

• 2013 Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award

• 2013 Westside Urban Forum: Westside Prize, Design Award

• 2013 Los Angeles Business Council: Los Angeles Architectural Award of Excellence

• 2012 AIA Pasadena & Foothill Chapter Honor Award

• 2012 Interior Design Best of Year Awards, Honoree