Yale University — a new home for Engineering and Physical Sciences

In scale and in its focus on quantum research, the endeavor is without precedent in university science facilities in the United States, while ambitiously targeting outstanding energy performance and net zero operational carbon emissions. As one of Yale’s largest, most complex building projects ever undertaken, the design embodies the university’s commitment to the well-being of its scientific community, the expansion of scientific excellence, and the decarbonization of its scientific research infrastructure.

The project will transform Science Hill’s campus fabric into a welcoming, publicly accessible series of landscape spaces that restore circulation and movement for pedestrians and cyclists through the site—no simple task for a site that rises 50 feet from east to west. The building itself is conceived as a network of overlapping hubs, organized by research initiatives rather than traditional departments. The project’s goal of shaping a new interdisciplinary community is realized through a “terraced street” that connects the vast complex. Though much of the building will be below-grade, the design brings daylight deep into the structure, with light and planted courts providing strategic landmarks and visibility outdoors.

New research labs and state-of-the-art shared core facilities will include an Advanced Instrumentation Development Center, clean room and materials characterization and imaging suites. To embrace the future of this constantly evolving, highly specialized research, the new project offers a flexible architectural and technical framework designed with thoughtful modularity and comprehensive durability.