Merryl and Sam J. Israel, Jr. Environmental Sciences Building, Tulane University
New Orleans
William Wilson Associated Architects

This robust building introduces a human-scale, sustainable solution

© Brian Vanden Brink

For more photos click on 'photos & drawings' above. To see the people and products behind this project click on 'people & products.'

The Environmental Science Building is an addition to Stern Hall, the main science building at Tulane's uptown campus. It is the focal building of the historic Front Quad, where Paul Tulane's original bequest formed the university's most historic buildings. Using a masonry facade, this 50,000 square-foot addition enlivens the Front Quad and provides an inviting entry courtyard for all the sciences. The main pedestrian path of the campus passes along its east side. An adjacent historic structure, the Alcee Fortier Building, was renovated as a computer facility and integrated into the composition.

Since sustainability is a theme, the resulting environment reflects a careful use of natural solutions in lighting and cooling. Natural light enters the building through large panels of low-e untinted glass. Offices and conference rooms with ceiling fans are clustered around coffee areas tucked into alcoves of indigenous beadboard. An intimate courtyard is formed by the ESB and the existing Stern building. Inspired by local New Orleans architecture, the connecting stair and bridges help activate the courtyard and make it a vibrant center for the sciences. The large constituency of the Tulane community—faculty, trustees, and deans of Architecture, together with deans of Arts and Sciences—participated in the design process of this building.

Introductory chemistry teaching labs occupy the ground floor and cluster around a computational lab, enlivening the inner courtyard. New Orleans architecture also features prominently in the main "loggia" of the labs, bringing a sense of local arcades to the design. Research labs occupy levels two and three, which are organized along a glazed corridor providing a sense of transparency and building a connection to the main campus. Advanced chemistry teaching labs occupy the top floor, taking maximum advantage of the treetop view of the main quadrangle. The entire facility seeks to bring coherence to the campus fabric.

Formal name of Project:
Merryl and Sam J. Israel, Jr. Environmental Sciences Building, Tulane University

Location:
New Orleans

Gross square footage:
50,000 sq. ft.

Total construction cost:
$15 million

Owner:
Tulane University
Toni Lorino, V.P. Finance
Mike Jester, Dir PPD Fac/Budget Coordinator
Greg Chlup, Dir PPD Fac/Utilites Coordinator
Daniel Dreher, Project Manager

Architect(s):
William Wilson Associated Architects Inc.
374 Congress Street, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02210
617-338-5990
617-338-5991 fax