Philadelphia, PA

The project was part of a $42.2 million dollar bioengineering initiative at the University of Pennsylvania. The 58,000 sq. ft. bio-engineering laboratory facility in the School of Engineering and Applied Science Complex near the School of Medicine, provides laboratory and office space for the Department of Engineering. The building was inserted into an 18,500 sq. ft. site between two redbrick engineering buildings belonging to the university’s historic district.

Skirkanich is a concrete building with a shingled glass and aluminum curtain wall, zinc panels and glazed green brick. Thirteen laboratories were created within the new building. The buildings entry court provides a series of cascading levels and gardens that spiral around the outside of the ground floor entry.  

Architect: Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects

Award: 2010 AIA Design Award