Designed in collaboration with Lord Aeck Sargent of Atlanta, Georgia the Sorenson Molecular Biotechnology Building at the University of Utah was created with an emphasis on collaboration and innovation. The physical transparency of the building’s design invites natural light into nearly all interior spaces, fostering a vibrant, communal atmosphere in laboratories and common areas alike.Sustainability is embedded in every aspect of the building’s construction. With energy-efficient systems, low-VOC finishes, and regionally sourced materials, the facility is projected to use 40% less energy than a typical laboratory, achieving a LEED Gold standard. The facade and massing of the building have been orchestrated in response to both the landscape of the surrounding foothills, and the circulation demands of a campus with more than 36,000 students. With glass facades looking to the north and west taking advantage of maximum natural daylight and views, juxtaposing an elevated and rippling natural stone facade hovering just above a main pedestrian axis on the campus.
