Jorgensen Laboratory Renovation, Caltech

Save the Planet: This project involved creating a state-of-the art facility for two new centers of sustainability research at Caltech:

●The Resnick Institute for Science, Energy, and Sustainability, whose mission is to address challenges related to the creation and conservation of energy; and

●The Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis, a DOE Innovation Hub that seeks to invent a highly efficient photovoltaic panel.

Zero Energy: To create an appropriate new home for these two centers, the vacant Jorgensen Laboratory, a fortress-like concrete structure originally built in 1974, was transformed into a model of sustainability, energy efficiency, and collaborative creativity. This process involved the removal of large, light-blocking overhangs, which also improves views from both in and out of the building; the introduction of a large skylit stair atrium, which introduces light deep into the structure and encourages connectivity between the scientists; and the retrofitting of a ring of second floor terraces into usable research space, which is clad in with a new curtain wall. Finally, a new transparent Entry Pavilion for lounging, special events, and educational presentations replaces an uninviting exterior bridge and reconnects the building to the overall campus. The project incorporates both active and passive sustainable technologies and is slated to receive LEED Platinum status.

Light Lab: Sunlight, key to the architectural transformation as well as to the research occurring inside, generated the interior palette. Colors from the visible light spectrum (the rainbow) make up the palette for furniture, accent walls, floor patterns, and conference rooms. Finally, the first floor core of the building is wrapped with high-resolution satellite images of the rotating Earth. As the scientists circulate through the corridors, these dynamic images continuously remind them of the subject and importance of their research.