The Landscape Evolution Laboratory will allow scientists at the Biosphere 2 research facility to study how water moves through mountain landscapes and how ecology and landscapes co-evolve. The lab consists of three massive landscapes constructed inside an environmentally controlled greenhouse facility. Each 1-million-kilogram experimental landscape features nearly 1,800 sensors and samplers embedded in the soil to measure moisture, gas and chemical interactions. Aesthetics were considered, but tight tolerances to ensure the proper function of each slope was given priority. Designed to run a minimum of 10 years with little maintenance, the facility will allow Biosphere's 100,000 annual visitors to view the experiment.

Image courtesy Lloyd Construction/Erik Hinote Photography

Landscape Evolution Laboratory at Biosphere 2 outside of Tucson, Ariz.

Image courtesy Lloyd Construction/Erik Hinote Photography

Landscape Evolution Laboratory at Biosphere 2 outside of Tucson, Ariz.

Landscape Evolution ObservatoryTucson, Ariz.

Key Players

Contractor Lloyd Construction Co., Tucson

Owner University of Arizona, Tucson

Lead Design M3 Engineering and Architecture, Tucson

Structural Engineer M3 Engineering and Architecture, Tucson

MEP M3 Engineering and Architecture, Tucson

Subcontractors Parsons Steel Builders; Magnum Paving Inc.; RE Lee Mechanical Contracting Inc., all based in Tucson