Georgia Tech Engineered Biosystems Building

The Challenge

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) desired a pedestrian walkway that safely connected key buildings across a significant portion of the campus. The site was also adjacent to Georgia Tech's EcoCommons, 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 topography 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, which was connected to the EcoCommons site.

Common areas were linked to the Atlantic Promenade and other adjacent outdoor spaces, creating more accessible routes for pedestrians by engaging a main bicycle and pedestrian artery.

The Result

At the northern edge of Georgia Tech’s campus, the Engineered Biosystems Building and its landscape serve as a signature landmark 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.