Albuquerque-based Van H. Gilbert Architects (VHGA) and EYP's Boston-based Science & Technology team have been selected to design The University of New Mexico's new Physics & Astronomy Interdisciplinary Science (PAIS) building, as well as a 27,565 square foot building to replace Regener Hall, which will be built in a subsequent phase.
Albuquerque-based Bradbury Stamm Construction has been selected as the Design-Assist Comprehensive Construction Contractor.
PAIS, a new state-of-the-art high-research science facility, replaces the aging Physics and Astronomy building on north campus, will be constructed at the site of the existing City of Albuquerque water reservoir, just north of Central Ave. between Yale Blvd. and Cornell Dr. Because of its strategic location, UNM officials believe the new facility presents an exceptional opportunity to raise the University’s scientific profile and, at the same time, expand the architectural legacy of the historic campus
"We are honored to have been selected to design this groundbreaking new facility," said Van H. Gilbert, FAIA, who will act as Principal-in-Charge for the project. "Our firm has enjoyed a long and successful working relationship with UNM. Over the last 25 years we have completed six projects on the campus, so its unique character and design integrity are very important to us. We also understand The University's commitment to building a state-of-the-art interdisciplinary science facility and that is why we sought the expertise of EYP."
"The VHGA + EYP team combines our deep understanding of and experience on the UNM campus with EYP's experience designing award-winning STEM facilities on college and university campuses across the county," said Michael Borowski, AIA, VHGA's Project Manager. "Given the prominent site and thoughtful architectural program developed by The University, we are looking forward to working with representatives from UNM to deliver a high performance science building that meets their vision and goals."
Bradbury Stamm Construction is scheduled to begin construction on this new facility in 2017. The combined team has already begun to address the needs of the Physics and Astronomy students and faculty, as well as interdisciplinary science themes including: flexibility, collaboration spaces, transparency and special spaces that support transdisciplinary thinking.
Jeff Schantz, EYP's Sector Leader for Science and Technology noted that "the success of this effort will be rooted in team chemistry. It was clear from the start that our partnership with VHGA was a well-formed one. Together, we will help UNM to realize a leading-edge facility for high-level research. Our approach to problem-solving for the program and site challenges will be based on a holistic 'building-as-instrument' outlook. Leslie's planning expertise coupled with prior experience on campus, as well as Kip's thoughtful design thinking are incredibly valuable assets to the team's creative approach. We're thrilled to get started, working under Michael's expert project management."
“It is exciting to work on a gateway project for The University continuing Bradbury Stamm’s long-standing working relationship with the University, which dates back more than 80 years," said Cynthia Schultz, Bradbury Stamm’s CEO. This is an important community project that will help draw more talent to our state and we are proud to be involved.”
Sustainability is always an issue in New Mexico's high desert environment and the new building will be designed and executed as LEED Silver certified. EYP, ranked No. 1 in Energy and Sustainability on both the 2015 and 2014 Architect Top SO, and VHGA, with a history of sustainable design solutions for New Mexico's arid landscape, share UNM's commitment