Advancing Scientific Impact The Knight Campus

Transformative Design

The Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, a collaboration between Ennead Architects and Bora Architects, embodies a human-centered design philosophy aimed at supporting researchers in their mission to expedite the translation of scientific discoveries into societal benefits.

Fostering Collaboration and Wellness

Encouraging collaboration across diverse scientific disciplines, the Knight Campus fosters greater interaction among researchers within a wellness-centric environment. The architectural design emphasizes community, with two L-shaped towers enveloping an elevated terrace and courtyard. A transparent connector bridges the towers, while a translucent canopy offers shelter during inclement weather, creating an inviting outdoor space conducive to relaxation and socialization.

Flexible Workspaces and Interdisciplinary Research

The campus features open and variably scaled workspaces distributed throughout the facility, facilitating collaboration and innovation. Interdisciplinary research neighborhoods on the upper floors bring together experimental and computational research, promoting synergy and cross-pollination of ideas. High ceilings accommodate suspended mezzanine structures made of mass timber, enhancing connectivity between faculty offices and laboratories.

Adaptive and Sustainable

Designed for adaptability, the building allows research groups to easily shift focus as needed. Transparency and open space promote communication while reducing energy consumption. A unique double-skin façade, inspired by Oregon’s landscape, floods the interior with natural light while offering views of the outdoors. High-performance glass shades minimize solar heat gains and emphasize transparency, symbolizing the intersection of nature and science. Cross-laminated timber construction connects with the local environment and economy, contributing to the campus’s sustainability goals.

Connectivity and Sustainability

An enclosed pedestrian bridge connects the new facility to existing campus research buildings, symbolizing continuity and collaboration. Designed with a tied arch structure, the bridge features a self-supporting design and tension cables for enclosure support, blending simplicity with functionality. The campus is on track to achieve LEED Gold certification, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

In conclusion, the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact represents a paradigm shift in research facility design, prioritizing collaboration, wellness, and sustainability to accelerate scientific innovation and societal impact.