Vassar College – Integrated Sciences Center

The centerpiece of this project was construction of the new Bridge Building spanning across the Fonteyn Kill and connecting to Olmsted Hall with a two-level skywalk. The project also encompassed renovations of the historic New England Building, Sanders Physics, and Olmsted Hall.

Client:		Vassar College
Designer:		Ennead Architects
Size:		157,000 SF

 

Project Features

• New 80,000-SF steel-truss Bridge Building grounded on three foundation piers.
• Suspended levels supported from HSS pipe steel hangers from the cantilevered girders below the truss.
• Truss members shop assembled and hoisted in place in very long sections.
• Complicated radial geometry with alignments between the interior and exterior work.
• Sections of the building pre-loaded to force deflection out for façade elements.
• Metal and glass curtainwall, fiber cement panels, curving aluminum panels, and a bluestone masonry veneer façade.
• Multi-story lobby with polished concrete floors.
• Two levels of lab and classroom space, faculty offices, gathering areas and café.
• HVAC system combines general and lab exhaust, which are 100% exhausted at the penthouse level.
• Unusual fire rated assemblies incorporated where dampers could not be used.
• Complete underpinning of the 1904 New England Building foundation.
• New England Building classroom space renovations and high-efficiency MEP systems.
• Renovations at Olmsted Hall and the Sanders Physics Building updated classroom and faculty space.
• New connector between Olmsted Hall and the Bridge Building.
• Major expansion of the college’s central chiller plant.
• Expansive landscaping overhaul.
• Demolition of the Mudd Chemistry Building.
• LEED Silver (pending)
• Awards:  AIA/CAE Educational Facility Design Award of Excellence, Chicago Athenaeum Award for American Architecture Merit Award, AIA/NY Merit Award, AIA/NY COTE Award
• Architect Rendering – Video Tour