University of Akron, Polymer Science Building
Size: 156,000 Square FeetBudget: $14,500,000
The twin-towered laboratory facility is a 156,000 sq. ft. structure on the campus of the University of Akron. Its 12- and 9- story towers are connected by glass-enclosed walkways. The facility includes 50 research laboratories, 20 faculty offices and 25 offices with 200 modules for students, visiting researchers and post-doctoral candidates. The new glass structure provides a feeling of spaciousness, freedom and flexibility created by innovative design and use of materials. This design is a result of the tutorial college environment that the administration desired for this important research facility. The slanting roof that provides a distinct silhouette is a result of the need to protect and hide the mechanical equipment and other utilities that penetrate the roof.