This month’s issue of Architectural Record features an article on Amherst College’s New Science Center, whose state-of-the-art design both supports the College’s commitment to energy efficiency, and student call to action regarding sustainability and climate change. With its three story glass commons, mix of classrooms, study spaces and highly visible labs, the elegant 230,000 square foot Science Center has become a hub of student life on campus.
The voices of college students have long been among the loudest clamoring for meaningful action to combat climate change. And universities have shown they share those values by commissioning buildings that aggressively pursue energy efficiency.
Charles Linn, FAIA, Architectural Record, November 1, 2019
Northeastern EXP features an organic pinwheel design, shaping research and classroom neighborhoods with shared community spaces radiating from the core to define each area. The building façade was tuned to achieve a 78% reduction in peak solar heat gain and a 62% reduction in cumulative solar radiation leading to energy use reductions and reduced mechanical system sizing. The use of stainless steel further leads to an embodied carbon reduction of almost one million tons when compared to aluminum while the natural stainless surface reflects light in a natural and warm tone giving the building an inherent energy.
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