CU Boulder Campus Expands a Key Biophysics Research Facility
2012 Special Judges Recognition
2012 Best Project
Higher Education/Research Category
University of Colorado & NIST JILA X-Wing Addition
Boulder, Colo.
The University of Colorado Boulder's 50,800-sq-ft addition to JILA, formerly called the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics, is designed to further scientific research, from precision measurements to biophysics and nanoscience. The facility hosts some of the world's leading scientists, including Nobel laureates in physics. The structure provides cutting-edge laboratory, research, office and collaborative spaces for the growth of JILA, which is a joint collaboration between the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the university.
The project team had significant constraints to overcome throughout the project. The building is located in one of the most congested areas on the campus, surrounded by residence halls, the music building—where rehearsals and performances are ongoing—and the central powerplant. Additionally, the new JILA X-Wing attaches to the building's existing S-Wing, where some of the world's foremost research in precision measurement is being performed.
The team worked closely with university scientists and researchers to limit noise and vibration levels and the impact of construction on the highly sensitive research. At the basement level, researchers worked only a foot away from major construction.
Another constraint was that work was permitted only for 10 hours a day, Monday through Thursday, to allow research to be conducted at all other times.
Key Players
Owner: University of Colorado & NIST, Boulder, Colo.
Architect: HDR Architecture Inc., Denver
General Contractor: Saunders Construction, Centennial, Colo.
Civil & Structural Engineer: Martin/Martin Inc., Lakewood, Colo.
MEP: Cator Ruma & Associates, Lakewood, Colo.
Entry submitted by Saunders Construction