University of Houston Health and Biomedical Sciences Building

摘要

The University of Houston Health and Biomedical Sciences Building was originally envisioned as a two-story building for the College of Optometry. Over time the vision for the building grew, and the physical plan expanded by four stories to include research laboratories, classrooms, and surgical suites. That added complexity to the design, says Luke Voiland, an architect with Shepley Bulfinch. They had to consider the light sensitivity of delicate research studies; the need to support heavy laboratory equipment on upper floors; and multiple types of room styles, heights, and floor designs in one structure. They also had to meet the budget, schedule, and quality requirements that come with every project. "Precast concrete quickly became the material of choice," Voiland says.