Next-Generation Design
Designed by Weiss/Manfredi and opened in 2013, the 78,000 gross square foot facility houses several multi-user experimental laboratories critical to advanced research and development in nanotechnology. In addition to the laboratory spaces, the building features a courtyard, public galleria, a forum space and three contemporary conference rooms.
Unique Attributes of The Singh Center
Lithography
Suite
Suite
- The Soft Lithography suite provides an immediate access point in the Quattrone cleanroom. Research in this suite can be conducted with minimal dress preparation.
- Characterization and Scanning Probe facility locations are street recessed below-ground residing on 18-inch bedrocked platform to reduce vibration interference and increase stabilization to increase efficiency of high-intensity, low-vibration microscopes. The facilities are also designed to be isolated from atmospheric turbulence and electromagnetic noise.
- Air-flow systems control the temperature inside the labs to vary less than one degree year-round. The labs are also enclosed in aluminum plate AC shielding with Teflon coating and wideband AD/DC active field cancellation systems to protect the equipment from electromagnetic interference.
Laboratory
Space
Space
- In addition to specialized equipment, each facility contains highly optimized laboratory space with vibration, temperature and electrical noise control to provide the necessary environment for collaborative research for medical devices.
- The lower level space is isolated from mechanical vibration (criteria NIST-A/VC-E) and electromagnetic interference, with dedicated air handlers, state of the art environmental controls and fire protection.
Building
Features
Features
- A wide front lawn on Walnut Street conceals a cistern below grade to capture and store rainwater that falls on the site for irrigation.
- The glass walls contain fritting, which reduces glare, preventing solar heat gain, and creates patterns of light and shadow that change and move throughout the day.
Best
Architecture
Architecture
- The “Denver Post” lists the Singh Center as the best architecture of 2013.
- The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Construction Management Association of America awarded First Place in the category of higher education projects over $20 million to The Singh Center for Nanotechnology.
- The Krishna P. Singh Center for Nanotechnology has earned national recognition in the 2014 Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel awards program (IDEAS2).
- “The Architectual Record” describes the Singh Center as the “Art of Science: A new center for the study of nanotechnology” which merges the landscape with building, and sculpture with architecture.
LEED
Gold
Gold
- The Krishna P. Singh Center for Nanotechnology has been awarded LEED Gold status for new construction by the U.S. Green Building Council, a coveted recognition of best-in-class building strategies for energy and environmental design.
- Plumbing fixtures and systems reduce water use to 30% below industry standards.
- The green roof water retention system reduces storm water runoff and urban heat island effects, while encouraging biodiversity through the creation of local habitats.