The Vagelos Laboratory For Energy Science and Technology
The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, combines wet chemistry and optics research labs and brings researchers from the School of Arts & Sciences and the School of Engineering and Applied Science together to solve scientific and technological problems related to energy.
Knippers Helbig is providing structural design and façade consultation for the project throughout all design phases and construction. The 134 ft tall steel frame structure with steel composite deck cantilevers out on several occasions to create green roofs and occupiable terraces. The building’s envelope features ETFE membrane shading elements with carefully defined geometries that control and optimize sun exposure and interior glare throughout the year, effectively improving the performance of the building's glazing system.