TenBerke, in collaboration with Ballinger, has revealed designs for a new center for quantum science, engineering, and materials initiatives at Yale University. Called the Upper Science Hill Development (USHD), the 611,000-square-foot complex will be one of Yale’s largest and most complex building projects ever undertaken.

Located in the Science Hill precinct, the complex will add a publicly accessible series of landscape spaces to foster pedestrian and cyclist circulation on the campus.

The structure is designed to fit the topography of its urban and natural surroundings. As detailed by the architects, vibration control is one of the primary design drivers for quantum science facilities. Therefore, USHD’s sloping site, which is close to bedrock, was chosen for its strong vibration stability.

The complex is conceived as a series of interconnected pavilions that move upwards. The building houses a network of overlapping hubs, organized by research initiatives. Its façade will feature a combination of terracotta and glass. And, despite most of the complex being below-grade, its design is optimized to deliver daylight deep into the interior spaces.

USHD will provide flexible spaces to meet the needs of this constantly evolving, highly specialized research. The project is also targeting outstanding energy performance and net zero operational carbon emissions. 

It will be completed in two phases, with an opening set for 2030.