Raleigh, N.C.-based architectural firm BJAC announced that its Charlotte office has been awarded a contract to design the $30-million University of North Carolina-Wilmington Center for Marine Sciences Biotechnology Research Facility.

The 68,000 sq-ft, two-story commercial aquaculture and bio-tech research facility will house research and commercial applications of various facets relating to marine science.

BJAC also was hired to design the UNC Hospitals Imaging & Outpatient Center. The new 30,000-sq-ft, two-story building will house various outpatient programs, including radiology, physical therapy and a spine clinic. The complex will be UNC Hospital’s first building designed to meet LEED standards. Occupancy is expected in Spring 2011.