University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Medical School Expansion (MSE) (formerly known as RRF - Replacement Research Facility)
Challenge
Following total loss of the Health Science Center’s vivarium during tropical storm floods, the University sought to rebuild a replacement research facility (RRF). Multiple feasibility studies were conducted, considering optimum site alternatives, timing of grant funds, maximum return on investment and minimum disruption to research and teaching.
Solution
A site near the Medical School Building was identified as the most favorable building location, as it offered an opportunity to combine labs with the vivarium and to physically connect with the original Medical School Building.
Floors 1-4 house wet labs varying in design from open, partially open and dense layout. Modular labs are flexible to meet four focus areas of research – neurobiology, molecular biology, physiological genomics and structural biology. The upper two floors house small animals, non-human primates, animal surgery suite, cage wash and support. Centralized procedure and testing rooms minimize animal transport, and interstitial space provides access to controls above animal areas, reducing the need for people to enter holding areas.
The sixth floor connects to the Medical School, encouraging scientist interaction. Because investigators’ offices are located in the Medical School, maximum space could be devoted to research in the RRF. The two buildings are deliberately separated by a landscaped courtyard beneath the bridge connectors to accommodate an existing drainage channel and to capture natural light. Large scale research illustrations depicting pathogens embellish the walls throughout the building.
Results
The 208,000 square foot research facility complements the existing medical school both aesthetically and functionally. Wet labs located along perimeter walls benefit from an abundance of natural light, and clerestory corridor walls further transmit natural light into interior spaces. The building serves as a showcase for faculty recruiting, facilitating growth in university research.
