University of Pennsylvania

The new $173.5 million Vagelos Laboratory will support Penn’s commitment to energy research by consolidating related functions into one 112,500-square-foot building. When completed in 2024, the seven-story, state-of-the-art facility located at the intersection of 32nd and Walnut Streets will create a stunning gateway to the university while providing a high-quality indoor and outdoor environment to attract faculty and students.

Targeting LEED Silver certification at a minimum, the design maximizes green space. A new courtyard, bounded by the David Rittenhouse Laboratory, the Palestra, and the Vagelos building will be at the 32nd Street level, just below Shoemaker Green. A pedestrian ramp with porous unit pavers and tree planters will connect Shoemaker Green—also a Meliora project—to Vagelos above the courtyard level. The courtyard, along with several green roofs, will achieve a greater than 20% reduction in impervious surfaces. Impervious surface runoff will be managed in several rain gardens and detention beds throughout the site.

Due to its dense urban location, the project required review by local resident community organizations and the Civic Design Review Committee, as well as approval from the Philadelphia Planning Commission.

Meliora provided civil and site engineering, green infrastructure planning and design, and permitting and approvals.

Check out Penn’s project website for additional information.