A “topping out” ceremony on September 9 marked the symbolic installation of the last piece of structural steel for the Health and Biomedical Sciences Center at the University of Houston, which will feature the College of Optometry’s Vision Institute. In keeping with tradition, a small tree and a flag were attached to the steel beam, which bears the signatures of those involved in the project from the university and the design and construction team. Dr Earl Smith, dean of the UH College of Optometry spoke at ...[more]

Catching the sun as it plays across the building’s surface, the undulating façade system for the University of Houston’s Health and Biomedical Sciences Center is an innovative design solution that responds to challenges in topography and program.

The risk of flooding on the low-lying site disallowed a basement, shifting all mechanical space to the top of the building. Likewise, the building program’s secure research spaces – typically located below grade – are also at the top level. Since both the mechanicals and research program require windowless spaces, the upper half of the building façade has few openings.

Recognizing the potentially overwhelming proportion of a solid façade, the design team used reflection ...[more]

It may sound counterintuitive, but the most important thing about designing science and research facilities doesn’t actually involve design. The only way to plan for a future facility is to give a long hard look at the way you work today.

It’s a little like looking at your eating habits and stepping on the scale when you want to get in shape. It’s not easy. Start by:

- Establishing a vision and a set of quantifiable goals that will support it
- Understanding where you are today, evaluating existing facilities and current processes ...[more]

Shepley Bulfinch has begun schematic design for the new Health and Biomedical Science Center for the University of Houston’s College of Optometry.

The 167,600 s.f. state-of-the-art research and patient eye care center will include an ambulatory surgical center, laser center, specialized research labs, offices, seminar spaces, a new conference facility, and classrooms. It will be located adjacent to the J. Davis Armistead Building on the southern end of the University’s main campus. Housing an integrated clinical, teaching, and research program, the new building will dovetail into the existing facility in the Armistead ...[more]