University of Houston-Downtown, Sciences and Technology Building
Houston, Texas
The University of Houston-Downtown Sciences and Technology Building inspires science by providing moments of discovery in different scales. With high visibility along Interstate 10 and across from one of Houston’s most familiar bayous, the urban downtown campus becomes a “city window” and integrates itself into the surrounding natural landscape. Housing different sciences, the building features opportunities for cross-pollination in both chemistry and biology studies, as well moments of discovery throughout corridors and the atrium. Walking trails and a porch area with views of the bayou provide a connection to nature.
The building, adjacent to the confluence of Buffalo and White Oak Bayous, was designed in a flood plain that will only continue to flood. Knowing that the building would have to be resilient, several sustainable strategies were implemented to prevent flooding of the building. Knowing that the building would eventually be covered in 5 feet of water, designers used sustainable methods. Most of the materials used were composed of recycled content, and all of the materials had sustainable characteristics. All of the plants on site were designed to be resilient to continual flooding. The building also was designed to make scientific principles visible and simultaneously showcase its sustainability. One way of doing this was to display building systems in action: exposed utilities, as well as revealing the concrete structure itself.
The Sciences and Technology Building not only fosters teaching in laboratories, but also serves as a destination of discovery unto itself that promotes more STEM initiatives for Houston.
Additional Information
Capacity
1,800
Cost per Sq Ft
$524.00
Citation
Louis I. Kahn Citation
Featured in
2020 Architectural Portfolio
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