Emory University Health Sciences Research Building

Walter P Moore provided structural engineering services for the new Health Sciences Research Building at Emory University. This $65 million, 208,000 square foot building is the first phase of a new biomedical research facility designed to foster a collaborative research community.

This state of the art facility provides space for pediatric and cancer research as well as laboratory modules for drug discovery. The building features a vivarium with over 10,000 square feet of laboratory space. A 6,000 SF, two-story pedestrian bridge provides a connection between the new Health Sciences Research Building and the Emory Children’s Center as well as includes clinical office and research space.

The specialized programming requirements for this facility create several opportunities for unique structural solutions. Early in the programming phase of the project, our team engaged our Healthcare Community of Practice to determine the best structural strategies for this experience by drawing on the collective experience of our entire company. Using the involvement of this community, our team was able to quickly devise a framing system that minimizes column sizes and beam depths while still satisfying the vibration requirements for the building’s unique program.

The Health Sciences Research Building will be seeking LEED Silver Certification. To help accomplish the sustainable goals of this project, Walter P Moore implemented a strategy to maximize cement replacement to reduce embodied energy of the structure.