University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health

The joint venture team of R3A Architecture/HGA, realized the University of Pittsburgh’s vision for a revitalized Graduate School of Public Health whose aesthetic and functional grandeur accurately reflects the world-class research taking place within its walls. The project was separated into two phases: Phase 1 resulted in the creation of the Laboratory Pavilion, an addition to Parran Hall which included new research labs, a 215-seat auditorium, freezer storage, and kitchenette / break space for staff and faculty on each floor; Phase 2 involved renovation of Parran Hall and Crabtree Hall electrical, ventilation, heating, cooling systems and amelioration of asbestos.

In addition, the programmatic and community space renovations will modernize the facilities by increasing open meeting environments, upgrading and centrally locating classrooms, and reconfiguring outdated laboratory spaces into administrative offices.

Completed

2013

Size

279,400 sq.ft.

Location

University of Pittsburgh

Sustainability

Phase I - LEED Certified
Phase II - LEED Gold

Program

Laboratory pavilion, three floors of labs, one floor of lab support functions, 215-seat tiered lecture hall. Complete interior demolition and infrastructure overhaul of Parran Hall, modern offices + conferencing facilities, public lobby, cafe.

A MULTIDISCIPLINARY NEXUS

The decision to place three distinct programs into one, cohesive facility demonstrates the university’s commitment to collaboration and innovation. The blurring of lines between the departments of Infectious Disease, Human Genetics and Epidemiology provides an environment that promotes intellectual generosity and interdisciplinary collaboration.

A STRIKING RESEARCH HUB

The Graduate School of Public Health is located on 5th Avenue, a main thoroughfare that runs the length of the University of Pittsburgh’s urban campus. Before the laboratory addition, the facilities’ opaque exterior and obscure entrance resulted in near anonymity of this important building, where groundbreaking research takes places everyday. Among its notable findings, GSPH is known as the birthplace of the polio vaccine. The University is committed to supporting public health initiatives that serve the community. Therefore, the University sought a building that would establish a real presence for Graduate School of Public Health and reflect the significant research occurring within. The transparency of its glass façade eliminates barriers between the researchers and the outside world, situating researchers as human beings rather than relegating them to dark corridors where their work remains opaque.

DESIGN FOR EFFICIENCY

The design incorporates a range of sustainable and environmentally responsive design features. These include use of low flow-fume hoods, heat recovery systems, daylight harvesting, green energy credits, recycled materials, locally sourced building materials, reduced heat island, low water use plumbing fixtures, and utilization of existing vertical elevator cores and wash rooms. This project achieved LEED Gold certification.

DESIGN FOR COMMUNITY

The University faculty and students participated in the programming and conceptual design phases of the project. Multiple program and design workshops were held with key constituents from the Health Department and the University Administration to arrive at a consensus-based solution for the new labs. A basis of design was created, along with the evaluation of multiple siting options in order to arrive at a final design concept.

The result of these workshops was a design concept that implemented flexibility through modular furniture and customizable layouts, fluidity of navigation through visual connectivity and freedom of human motion, and community through the creation of ample social and interaction spaces.