Georgia Tech Engineered Biosystems Building
The Challenge
The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) wanted to provide pedestrians with a walkway that connected key buildings across a significant portion of the campus. The site was also adjacent to the future Eco-commons, a campus-wide open space system. Plans included indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, seating, and study areas to facilitate interaction among researchers, as well as create awareness within the campus community about ongoing research. The university also had future expansion in mind, with plans to grow the space into a cluster of interconnected buildings.
The Solution
In partnership with Nelson Byrd Woltz, Barge Design Solutions developed a solution that incorporated the area’s natural typography and provided multiple options for outdoor study and other gatherings. The project included a water collection system that captures roof rainwater, condensate water from HVAC units, and foundation dewatering water into a 10,000-gallon cistern. Stormwater was directed into a wetland pond before overflowing into the irrigation system, and was connected to the future Eco-commons site.
Common areas were linked to the Atlantic Promenade and other adjacent outdoor spaces, creating more accessible routs for pedestrians by engaging a main bicycle and pedestrian artery.
Results
The building and its landscape provided a signature landmark at the northern edge of Georgia Tech’s campus that engages the area strategically and provides multiple spaces for people to study and gather.
The project achieved LEED Platinum certification through the U.S. Green Building Council.
The Barge Factor
A unique collaborative effort between landscape architects and architects integrated the building’s role as a research facility into the fabric of the campus landscape.