Projects

Education Case Studies

University of Pennsylvania
Biomedical Research Building
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Torcon was part of a tri-venture construction management team for the University of Pennsylvania’s $122 million Biomedical Research Building (BRB) in Philadelphia. The facility, which is actually comprised of BRB II and BRB III, is a 380,000 square-foot research center focused primarily in the fields of biology of cancer, gene therapy and reproductive biology. BRB II houses many of Pennsylvania’s top medical research institutes, such as the Abramson Family Cancer Institute and the Institute of Human Gene Therapy.

University of Pennsylvania intends to use the new research center to retain and attract the best faculty, physicians and scientists. The facility can house approximately 800 researchers and support staff and represents the largest building the history of the University.

The building is 15 floors in height with 10 lab levels, two mechanical floors and an expansive entry level with public areas. In addition to offices, lounges and conference rooms on each floor, the common areas include a 150-seat auditorium, a cafe and a medical bookstore. Below grade is a 32,000 square-foot lab support area served by an interstitial space.

Each 22,750 square-foot lab floor is organized around a linear equipment room, which provides space for freestanding equipment. This central spine also doubles as the lab corridor and utilities service space.

The BRB II is located at the heart of the School of Medicine complex in a highly congested, restrictive urban area. The building was constructed within five feet of a two-story parking structure, with its upper floors cantilevered over the garage. Enclosed pedestrian bridges and underground walkways link BRB II to other buildings on campus.