The University of Houston Board of Regents have approved the site location and rough schematics drafted by Cesar Pelli and Associates of New Haven, Conn., for a new science and engineering building. The local architect of record will be Kendall/Heaton Associates of Houston.
"To have a distinguished architect such as Cesar Pelli putting his imprint on this new building is exciting," said UH System Chancellor and UH President Arthur K. Smith. "The addition of this facility to our science and engineering complex will have a major impact on our academic and research programs for years to come. This new structure and Mr. Pelli's involvement in the project are signs that our university is continuing its climb toward Tier 1 status."
Pelli, who designed the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - the tallest building in the world - also designed Herring Hall at Rice University and the St. Luke's Medical Tower located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston.
When completed in 2005, the new UH building will accommodate about 40 research laboratories and include a 550-seat teaching auditorium. The 200,000-square foot complex will provide a "gateway" to the west side of campus and will feature a five-story laboratory building and a two-story classroom building.
"This will be a very efficient building and a very beautiful building," Pelli said when he presented his plans to the Board of Regents Committee on May 6. "It should help you recruit the best scientists."
Edward P. Sheridan, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, said UH scientists and engineers had input into the design of the new lab facility, which will rely on research faculty to fill up the much of the space with their own equipment.
"Major funding agencies have recognized that part of the grants they award go toward purchasing lab equipment, and our researchers are writing their grants with this in mind," Sheridan said. "As our deans recruit new faculty members the candidates are excited about being able to design their own labs."
Faculty members from disciplines across campus who will teach in large lecture halls in the new classroom building also made suggestions for the classroom designs.
"This new facility will add a dramatic impact to our campus," Sheridan said.
Established in 1977, Cesar Pelli and Associates has worked with corporate, government and private clients to design major public spaces, museums, airports, laboratories, performing arts centers, academic buildings, hotels, office and residential towers and mixed-use projects.