Decorative building soffits are a defining characteristic of buildings at the University of Texas. The soffit pattern for the Biomedical Engineering Building references the human genome and the colors reference the Texas landscape.
We introduced the term 100.5 to reflect the permanence of a 100‑year life expectancy of the exterior with a 5‑year use of the interior research spaces. Because interior spaces are research-driven, they had to be agile—our design incorporates modular, easily reconfigured components. Our 100.5 concept considers initial costs, durability, maintainability, life-cycle costs, suitability, and permanence of use for the intended application.
The new building’s design reflects the permanence and values of the original 40‑acre campus, incorporating such materials as cut stone, brick, metal, glass, granite, and a clay tile roof. The design also considers the relationship of the building with the adjacent Neural Molecular Science Building and includes a 2‑level bridge on the 4th and 5th floors to connect the buildings—extending what is becoming the science and technology complex on campus.
Parsons met every design deadline of the fast-track schedule, resulting in a 1‑month schedule improvement for construction.
In compliance with the university’s desire to increase awareness of sustainability in the built environment, Parsons’ design incorporates features to achieve Silver LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification when complete. The LEED Green Building Rating System™ is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance, environmentally responsible buildings. LEED guidelines encompass site planning, water management, energy, material use, and indoor environmental quality.
