University of California—Irvine, Sprague Hall Biomedical Research Building

Irvine, California

Firm

EHDD Architecture

Client

University of California

Area

62,393 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$17,470,040

Completion Date

11/2001

The University of California—Irvine’s new Sprague Hall is a three-story building, which pairs with Gillespie Hall to complete the gateway to the north-south axis of the Irvine Biomedical Research Center. This is one of the fastest-growing precincts on campus. Sprague Hall will provide more than 36,000 square feet of open laboratory and support space, and 6,000 square feet of office space for faculty and lab personnel.
The building’s massing articulates the spatial and programmatic components of the project. The laboratory bays, organized for maximum flexibility, fit seamlessly within the structural modules. As the primary functional element of the project, this three-story volume is expressed simply as a smooth concrete monolith, punctuated by openings at the end of each aisle. Throughout the lab block, these windows extend from near-floor to ceiling, flooding the work area with daylight. On the second and third levels, the windows are deeply recessed, revealing the depth and stability of the concrete wall. Outside, the building engages pedestrians at eye level, offering a base that functions as seating.