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©Albert Vecerka / Esto
Both form and function drive the design in laboratories and common
spaces in the newest additions to the Penn Engineering campus.
But that elegance transcends what is seen. In the
lower level of the building, where sensitive electron
microscopy will occur, labs are enclosed in aluminum
plate shielded with Teflon ® to protect equipment from
electromagnetics interference. To minimize vibration
and protect sensitive equipment, the concrete floors
of the building reach down to bedrock.
“This has been a ferociously complicated and technologically
demanding building,” says Hollenberg. “Of
course the science that is conducted in this building
could be performed just as well in a windowless block,
but Dean Glandt wanted to celebrate the science and
make a grand statement about it.”
Kocent agrees. “Passing by the building, one senses
the spirit of innovation alive within its transparent
skin and hovering over Penn’s Walnut Street
gateway, a spirit that Dean Glandt has inspired in
his architects, faculty, researchers and students. This
spirit to dare and dream will be an enduring legacy
to future generations of Penn citizens.”
PENN ENGINEERING n 15