Life Sciences Center

The new Class of 1978 Life Sciences Center at Dartmouth College brings together researchers previously located in various facilities on and off campus. The 172,000 gross square foot building houses 30 principal investigators involved in microbiology and environmental biology research. Their research initiatives are supported by a 6,400 sq. ft. greenhouse and a 4,000 sq. ft. NMR suite. The building includes six teaching laboratories with their associated support spaces. Other program elements in the building include a 200 seat auditorium, two 80 seat stepped lecture rooms and two 30 seat classrooms.

The site program includes the design of a new 300' x 150' Yard. The Yard serves as a multi-function exterior room and creates a new destination point at the northern extreme of campus. The Yard features native plant materials, a rain garden and storm water collection.

An important focus for the design of the project is the expression of Science-in-Sight. Through the use of multi-dimensional displays, both life science research topics and sustainable building initiatives will be highlighted.

Dartmouth College has challenged the project team to design the most energy efficient life sciences building in the United States. By establishing strict building metrics we expect to use less than half the energy of a comparable science building. Key energy management features include enthalpy wheels, active chilled beams, triple glazed windows and spray foam insulation. These strategies along with other green building practices place this building on track for LEED Gold Certification.