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Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, Virginia
Completed 2008

Interdisciplinary research and laboratory building
 

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Providing laboratory, workshop, meeting, and office space, the Virginia Tech Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS) represents an ambitious plan to improve opportunities for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary laboratory research at Virginia Tech.

Two phases of building will accommodate 173,000 square feet containing flexible and adaptable laboratory space for multidisciplinary research in the fields of biomedical engineering, information technology, biotechnology, electronic engineering, polymers adhesives and sealants, and materials testing and characterization. Considering the site not only as a center for research and interaction among faculty and students within the institute, but also an important spatial and circulation node within the campus, the development of this new academic precinct is an important opportunity to strengthen the campus' system of interconnected quadrangles.

Phase I and Phase II buildings assume linear footprints along Stanger and Turner Streets, defining a new landscaped quadrangle. Two principal entries to the new quadrangle are planned. The Turner Street entry is marked by a monumental stair flanked by the Phase I and Phase II buildings. A major portal at Stanger Street is formed by the glass bridge connecting the laboratory and office wing of the Phase I building with its "head piece," which contains the public entrance, conference and meeting facilities, and administrative offices. The laboratory and office wing of Phase I has been planned to maximize both flexibility and interaction among researchers and students. The wing is divided into low-, medium-, and high-service zones; laboratory spaces can be configured within these zones to meet the needs of emerging research opportunities.

A central, sky-lit corridor, with communicating stairs and adjacent informal meeting spaces, forms the collegial heart of the Phase I building, encouraging interaction and exchange.

Major Components

Research laboratories, including core lab support spaces for an adaptable, modular state of the art research environment; associated faculty offices; meeting space, lounge and seminar rooms; 60-seat classroom; lobby reception, lounge and cafe; 3 1/2 floors above grade (90,000 s/f) + 1/2 floor below grade (14,000 s/f); typical floor: 26,000 s/f

 

Pei Cobb Freed & Partners services

Full Architectural Services through Design Development; Construction Documents and Construction Administration for the exterior envelope

Architect of Record

Burt Hill Kosar Rittelmann & Associates, Washington, DC

Structural

Thornton-Tomasetti-Cutts, LLC, Washington, DC

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