Gustafson Guthrie Nichol (GGN) shared with us their role as landscape architects for the third phase of the University of Washington Medicine’s research hub, designed by Perkins+Will, in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood, which broke ground earlier this month and is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2013. More images and project description after the break.
The development is a multi-phase design and construction project that supports the UW’s internationally renowned biomedical research efforts. Located on the adjacent west block of UW Medicine’s existing South Lake Union research complex, Phase Three will include up to three buildings totaling nearly 542,000 square feet of laboratory and office space, and 47,250 square feet of outdoor space. Slated for completion in spring 2013, the first building breaking ground is a 183,000-square-foot LEED silver laboratory building that will be home to more than 400 researchers and includes 19,090 square feet of outdoor space.
Phase three of UW Medicine’s South Lake Union project maintains the vision established in the phase two complex. It proposes a design that will meet the programmatic needs of a highly regarded biomedical facility, reflect the goals and identity of UW Medicine, bridge strong connections between neighborhood and campus communities, and provide friendly and green pedestrian streets.
“The landscape concept is simply about celebrating life, a nod to UW Medicine’s purpose. The East-West corridors are bursting with lush, fertile, planted spaces, while the North-South corridors are filled with air and light,” says Jennifer Guthrie, lead landscape designer and partner at GGN. “We are thrilled to be a part of a project that will not only contribute to the experience of top health professionals and medical students, but also contribute to a venue which invites the South Lake Union community to engage with the UW Medicine community.” The landscape design of Phase Three is influenced by the successful layout of the adjacent block of the UW Medicine South Lake Union research complex landscape, which was also designed by GGN. A mid-block crossing allows the new development to continue the verdant, east-west passageway established previously.
Subtle level changes will create a sense of anticipation upon arrival to the phase three complex. Light will bounce off of faceted building façades into the central space below, where water features that utilize reclaimed runoff, will enhance a feeling of immersion in reflections and light. This active space will invite the neighborhood into the heart of the phase III complex and offer gathering places for community members, faculty and staff. Along 8th Avenue, Phase Three will mirror the wide, tree-lined sidewalk first established with phase II. The tree-lined 8th Avenue will anchor Phase III’s axial relationship with Denny Park to the south. Stately street trees are proposed along Dexter Avenue to reflect its importance as a main connection between South Lake Union and downtown Seattle.
Architect: Perkins+Will Landscape Architect: Gustafson Guthrie Nichol Location: Seattle, Washington, United States UW Medicine’s Phase Three Project Team: Vulcan Real Estate (developer), Perkins+Will (lead designer and building architect), Sellen Construction (general contractor), and the National Development Council (project financing)
