Ground broke on Brown University's new School of Engineering research facility last month. The new four story building will create 20 new cutting-edge laboratory modules, including two specialized nanoscale and biomedical engineering laboratories, and will add 80,000 square feet of space. The addition comes at a good time for the School of Engineering, which expects to see its number of undergraduate students double between 2007 and 2017. The new facility will be able to house 15 faculty members, approximately 20 research associates, 80 graduate students, and a large number of undergraduate students.

Designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, the new facility connects with the engineering and physics building via bridges on each of the three levels. Its proximity to other department buildings, including the chemistry and computer sciences departments, further facilitates cross-disciplinary partnerships.  
 
In addition to its central location on campus, the building's layout also serves to encourage collaboration amongst various academic fields. An open design plan will allow various research groups to stay connected with their peers in other disciplines, while also keeping the space flexible. Larry Larson, Brown University's dean of engineering, stated that “the idea is to build a community around these sciences. We envision this new building and the surrounding green space as a vibrant gathering place.”  
 
This project represents Brown's first use of integrated project delivery (IPD) at a whole-building scale. KieranTimberlake is working closely with the construction manager Shawmut, as well as with the client, to engage a full range of IPD strategies including colocation, trade partner coordination, in-depth pull planning sessions, and implementation of lean design principles. 
 
Read more about the project on the Brown University website.