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Architects: Payette
- Area: 137000 ft²
- Year: 2009
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Photographs:Warren Jagger Photography
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Manufacturers: Swisspearl
Text description provided by the architects. The Carl J. Shapiro Science Center on the campus of Brandeis University aims to reconnect a formerly isolated part of campus back to its center. The multiphase project is comprised of the new Science Center attached to the now renovated existing science facilities. Not disimilar to Payette's previously featured Integrated Science Building, This project is also tasked with creating a highly public circulation path through the building to promote interdisciplinary discourse within the field of science and within the greater university.
A large multistory atrium curates movement through the building. Conceived of as a river, the atrium exists as a linear element that allows for quick transit through and into the building while remaining isolated from the sensitive lab spaces within the structure.
A brise soleil on building's facade allows diffuse daylight into the labs through large windows while minimizing the amount of direct sunlight into these spaces. These sunshades also serve to reduce heat gains within the space.
The building's warm interior and machine-like exterior were assembled with sustainability in mind. Materials such as natural linoleum, recycled stone flooring, urea-formaldehyde free wood products, low VOC paints, and carpet made with recycled fibers all contribute to the reduced footprint of this building.
