University of Pittsburgh, Kumta Lab at Energy Innovation Center

The Energy Innovation Center enables the University of Pittsburgh to establish a public-private collaborative laboratory and incubator space to expand research in energy and energy-related programs. Housed within the Energy Innovation Center in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, these laboratories will house some of Pitt’s most extensive energy research in more than 20,000sf of space, and create an incubator for faculty and student startups. The goal of the facility is to establish Pittsburgh as a world-leader in groundbreaking, sustainable, and economic energy and electric power research, development, and demonstration. The Next Generation Energy Conversion and Storage Technologies Laboratory is headed by Prashant Kumta, Professor of Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, and Chemical and Petroleum Engineering.

Completed

2016

Size

15,000

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Role

Design Architect

Program

Specialized research and testing labs, 5 incubator labs, workplace, and administrative space

FLEXIBLE INNOVATION

Each of the three research labs is highly specialized for the particular research being conducted, but the designers utilized mobile lab casework and movable benches to allow for future changes in research as new technologies are discovered. Lab benches are fed from overhead ceiling service panels that contain quick-connect ports for lab gases and electrical outlets. The high ceilings in the space allow for mechanical equipment to be hung from the ceiling to maximize floor space.

ENCOURAGING COLLABORATION

The building functions as a multi-disciplinary facility where collaboration is encouraged. The design team took advantage of the many existing windows from the labs into the corridors to display the research and equipment and the share natural light and views between spaces. The saw tooth roof of the structure and open layout of the labs create bright, inspiring work spaces that are visible to all visitors.