Richard M. Lucas Center Expansion, Stanford University
Palo Alto, Calif.
Perkins+Will

Light court and curtainwall illuminate a subterranean lab

	Index | Project Specs
	Click here for slide show. Photo © Robert Canfield

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), an important tool for medical diagnosis and scientific research, was co-invented at Stanford University by Felix Bloch, who won the Nobel prize in 1952 for his work. Stanford remains a leader in radiology. Its Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Technology houses one of only three 7-Tesla MRI magnets in the world (the 7-Tesla is a magnetic scanner so powerful it allows real-time motion views of molecular biology), as well as a cyclotron for producing radioactive isotopes. These rare machines are located in the new Lucas Center Expansion, a subterranean building that sits like a high-tech gulch in the middle of campus.

In many respects, the newly expanded Lucas Center is a building of opposites. For starters, the 7-Tesla MRI machine and the cyclotron had never been located before in such close proximity. With no models for inspiration, MBT Architecture—which later merged with Perkins+Will—engaged in original thinking to design a building that could accommodate these machines under one roof. Robust containment elements in the subterranean facility include a six-foot-deep, 100-ton steel and concrete door at the cyclotron vault, and 200 tons of steel plate to contain the 7-Tesla’s immensely powerful magnetic field.

But the Lucas Center also contains offices, labs, and classrooms. Understandably, the university sought a light-filled building that would transcend the dungeon-like feel of subterranean structures. The potential for blow-through of chemicals and radiation precluded the use of skylights, the traditional method of daylighting underground spaces. Instead, the architect designed a canted glass curtainwall that cuts into the earth and opens onto a two-story light court. As most of the building is located below ground, this light court reveals the building to pedestrians when they are almost on top of it.

Together, the glass wall and the light court allow ample levels of daylight to permeate the building’s interior. Concrete panels and river rocks line the walls and floor of the light court and continue into the building, helping strengthen the connection between outdoors and indoors. A series of pedestrian bridges span the court and create a shadow play on the ground below. The court, described by the radiology department chairman as “the ultimate TGIF space,” provides an outdoor venue for receptions and special events.

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Formal name of Project:
Richard M. Lucas Center Expansion, Stanford University

Location:
Palo Alto, Calif.

Gross square footage:
20,300 sq. ft.

Total project cost:
$16 million

Owner:
Stanford University

Architect:
Perkins+Will
185 Berry Street, Suite 5100
San Francisco, CA 94107
415-856-3000 tel.
415-856-3001 fax
www.perkinswill.com

  Russ Drinker and Rachel Lee

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