Saint Louis University
Edward A. Doisy Research Center
St. Louis, MO
Named in honor of the Nobel-prize-winning biochemist and Saint Louis University professor, the Edward A. Doisy Research Center, a $67 million tower in the heart of St. Louis, is the centerpiece of the university’s $80.5 million project to accelerate its steady growth in funded basic research for medical science and translational medicine. The 206,000 sf health science building brings scientists from several sites together to pursue collaborative, multidisciplinary research at a single state-of-the-art facility.
The 10-story tower’s lower levels connect via a covered walkway to the University’s School of Medicine, where additional research and training space are located. Laboratory and office spaces line the building’s perimeter to maximize views and natural lighting. Laboratory spaces on the south and east sides are modular and flexible; offices grouped along the north, facilitate interaction among researchers. The building envelope tapers to a point on the west, creating a connecting stair and collaboration spaces. Core space is devoted to shared and specialized lab and support functions, including a BSL-3 lab suite.
“Creative design for the structural system and building envelope, combined with attention to environmental sustainability, create a landmark building with an important community purpose: translating research into effective vaccines and therapeutics.” St. Louis Construction News and Real Estate
The Edward A. Doisy Research Center, a $67 million, 206,000 sf tower in the heart of midtown St. Louis, is playing a key role in the continuing rebirth of the city's urban corridor, with modular laboratories, offices, and support spaces enabling Saint Louis University's renowned research and development of vaccines and other treatments for diseases of the liver, heart, lung, and brain.
Consistent with its commitment to human health, the LEED certified Doisy Center incorporates an array of sustainable design features that preserve the well-being of occupants as well as the larger environment. Laboratory and office spaces lining the perimeter of the 10-story tower maximize views and natural lighting, with 90 percent of interior spaces enjoying views to the outdoors. Low-VOC adhesives, paints, carpet, and wood, as well as rigorous exhaust and drainage standards, help maintain a level of air quality that exceeds ASHRAE standards. A state-of-the-art building automation system efficiently and reliably optimizes researchers’ comfort.
Numerous site-level measures further enhance the Doisy Center’s sustainable nature. Removal of existing buildings, streets, and parking lots from the site reduced stormwater runoff by more than 25 percent. Reflective roofing materials and an 8,000 sf "green roof" mitigate heat-island effects. And wind-generated power supplies a clean, renewable energy source to reduce the building’s overall energy consumption.
View LEED Points
- Center for Vaccine Development, including clinical service lab, sample prep lab, patient interview rooms, exam rooms, and waiting and support areas
- Seven modularly designed laboratory floors with offices, conference rooms, and laboratory support functions
- BSL-3 and BSL-4 labs
- Penthouse with conference room and two outdoor terraces
- Covered walkway connector to School of Medicine
Distinctions
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Honorable Mention
College Planning & Management
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Regional Excellence Award
St. Louis Construction News and Real Estate
Publications
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Laboratory Design
Translational Center Brings New Benefits to St. Louis