Columbia University, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions for arts and sciences, further expands its capabilities with the addition of this new building dedicated primarily to an interdisciplinary approach to scientific research. Located on the Northwest corner of the University’s historic Morningside Heights Campus designed by McKim, Mead and White in 1897, the building integrates into both the campus plan and the New York City street grid.

Working as the Project Design Architect with Rafael Moneo, Moneo Brock Studio has managed the project through all stages of the design process.

When completed in the fall of 2010, the building will add over 45,000 sf. of laboratory space in addition to the over 20,000 sf. of classroom, office and study space. The building will also include a 13,000 sf. research library, a 170-seat auditorium, a public café and a new ‘game day’ entrance to the University’s Basketball and Volleyball Gymnasium.

Constructed above the existing Francis S. Levien Gymnasium, the project conditions posed a significant structural challenge in the requirement for the new build to span over the 125 foot wide facility. This structural feat became the defining gesture of the project. By representing the structural frame through a geometry of aluminum fins, the building façade shows a patchwork of light and shadow, appearing a times as a light, shimmering structure sitting atop a carved stone pedestal. The building's campus facade is almost entirely glass, revealing the interior workings of the building and emphasizing openness and a connection to the campus community.

Finished November 2010


 

 

 

 

columbia university interdisciplinary science building