University of Pennsylvania
Regional Nanotechnology Center
Philadelphia, PA
175,000 SF
In the world of scientific academia, the research and development of nanoscience has been an active focus, especially since its application transcends any single scientific discipline. By granting money to fund a Regional Nanotechnology Center at Penn’s School of Engineering, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania wishes to facilitate partnership between the center’s researchers and local industry companies. The center will channel university research and discovery to commercial application. At the potential site of the new center, the design team was asked to perform a comprehensive study, which explored the deficiencies of the existing structures, provided programmatic data, and offered conceptual design options to accommodate the new regional center. The project program includes nano-fabrications, micro-fabrications, electron microscopy, particle accelerator laboratory, office areas, classroom public outreach education, library, and auditorium areas. Situated near the east edge of campus, the Nanotechnology Center has the potential to assume the gateway role for the School of Engineering.