The new building will be the centerpiece for the Tree-Ring Lab, housing a myriad of advanced research laboratories, faculty and research offices, support and processing spaces. A primary function of the new building will be the consolidation of irreplaceable wood sample archives into the renovated building adjacent to the new structure.
concept
The Bryant Banister Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research is the world leader in Dendrochronology Research. The study of tree samples taken from around the world from modern to ancient times has lead to the understanding of climatic and ecologic changes that affect the world we live in. The study of tree ring and tree ring growth patterns has provided a rich history and dateline to major events in human history as well.
The building is an elevated structure, tying to the existing building, yet elevated above to allow for ideal faculty and research lab organization. Due to the limited available site, the building is lifted above the existing structure maximizing interaction and adjacency of the researchers. This tree-like building is permeable on the ground floor, which houses exhibit and outreach spaces, opening this prized collection to the public, a major goal of the project.
The simple steel structure will be supported on trunk like column structure, and shaded by a laser cut veil of aluminum, shielding the building from the hot desert sun, the existing building will provide a green roof platform for conferencing and breakout space.
