MERIT AWARD
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES BUILDING ANN ARBOR, MI ENNEAD ARCHITECTS AND SMITHGROUP
ESIGN
Designed to support research across a broad spectrum of disciplines, the Biological Sciences Building at the University of Michigan creates new opportunities for collaboration and engagement. The BSB integrates state-of-the-art research and innovative science education spaces with the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History to engage the public and revolutionize life science research, discovery, and communication. Situated at the confluence of the historic central campus and the modern life sciences campus, the BSB serves as an architectural bridge and physical connector between the two campus neighborhoods. Transitioning between the two distinct architectural identities, the façade of the BSB is composed of terracotta and glass. The simply shaped terracotta tiles play with light and shadow throughout the day and reflect the rich variation in color of the historic central campus’ brick buildings. Meanwhile, the monumental and transparent glass atria provide material connection to the modern life sciences neighborhood to the north. Together, the terracotta and glass envelopes yield a high performing and sustainable facility that visually blends the old and the new. The building’s segmented massing reinforces campus movement with two transparent atria, which unify the building’s three volumes and serve as prominent campus circulation routes. Glazed on both sides, these atria drive natural light deep inside the building and provide the passerby views of the working laboratory facility inside. The building design makes science more accessible, encouraging visitors to directly view active research envi-
“Vertical filigree and terra cotta multi-tone façade are handled well. The entire building seems like a screen. Opens
viewsheds to campus.” Jury Comment
Photo Credit: ©Bruce Damonte
ronments. The BSB’s design celebrates the co-location of two distinct program types by intertwining public museum exhibit galleries through three research towers and across the two shared atria. Combining scientific research, undergraduate science education, and public science communication under one roof, the BSB makes science education accessible to a wide-ranging constituency. The BSB fosters community at a variety of scales, including that of the University of Michigan’s biological researchers, the University of Michigan student body, and the greater Ann Arbor population.
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