Cornell University Energy Recovery Linear Accelerator Lab/Cryogenic Plant
Ithaca, USA
Seeking a minimum LEED Silver rating, Cornell University commissioned a feasibility study and concept design for two new laboratory buildings and a cyroplant on their campus. The two laboratories will be built into the hillside to the east and west of the existing Wilson Laboratory, and will provide facilities in excess of 200,000 gsf. A third building will house the cryoplant of approximately 15,000 gsf.
The design of the lab buildings is driven by both the sensitivity of the equipment they will house and the steep sloping of the site, which requires careful consideration of vibration and slope stability issues. The design features a “cascading/stepped” building concept, starting on the lowest level where the existing Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR) is located and stepping back as it adds laboratory and office levels at the upper levels. The lower levels of the buildings will contain the Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) and x-ray experimental floors. Both buildings will connect to the existing CESR tunnel. The cryoplant will be a single-story underground structure, with an adjoining ground level pad to accommodate cooling towers and electric substation mounting. The building will connect to the ERL tunnel via an accessible shaft.
The integration of the buildings with the surrounding natural environment is a key design element. Extensive landscaping, including landscaped roof courtyards, prominent views of the stream and wetlands south of the site, and exposure to natural light at the lower levels help reinforce the connection with nature. The new building itself becomes the landscape and a critical link in the campus geography. The green roofs, as well as paved and landscaped courtyards of the buildings horizontal façade allow for visual continuity of the greenbelt envisioned by the Cornell Master Plan, while vistas from the Campus Road are maintained over the low green rooflines.
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