Title: Clemson University ICAR One Research Drive
Location of Proejct: Greenville, SC
Project Completion Date: 01/01/2016
Firm Name: LS3P

Short Description: Located on a prominent entry into a leading-edge research campus, this building expresses its technology focus through a tectonic intricacy that is folded and layered throughout the exterior façade. The simple form and exterior detailing complement, but do not compete with, an adjacent campus signature building. The design also prioritizes transparency and connectivity, with an eye towards engaging the campus and encouraging pedestrian interaction throughout the research neighborhood.

Architect's Statement: As a gateway building for the leading-edge Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) campus, this project is designed for maximum flexibility, connectivity, and performance. The four-story, 84,000 SF facility provides research and development space, high-bay labs, and flexible office spaces designed to support innovators and entrepreneurs engaged in mobility research in the automotive industry.

Located on a prominent entry into the research campus, the building draws from the principles of the established campus Master Plan, expressing the technology focus of the curriculum through a tectonic intricacy that is folded and layered throughout the exterior façade. The steel superstructure supports a layered envelope of insulated metal panels, pre-cast concrete panels, and energy-efficient glass shaded by strategically configured perforated stainless steel screens. The architects completed multiple exterior studies to design a solution that would complement the metal, glass and concrete design elements of the nearest buildings, yet not compete with an adjacent signature facility.

The simple form intentionally acts to foil the highly expressive geometry of the signature building nearby. A 48’ vertical wall bisects the building from north to south, serving as a tool for both wayfinding and additional shading. The exposed multi-floor structural truss framework maximizes open space internally, while creating cantilevered overhangs and exterior balconies. Ground-floor labs feature an open high-bay space with grade-level access and a full range of utility systems. A penthouse level incorporates a 2,000 SF roof terrace shaded by a 24’ roof overhang.

The design prioritizes transparency and connectivity, with an eye towards engaging the campus and encouraging pedestrian interaction throughout the research neighborhood. The east face of the building reaches out to the “main street” of the campus with its projecting sunscreen and balconies, setting the stage for the informal collaborations that spur innovation on a research campus. A careful balance of glazing and solar screening showcases the advanced technologies within the building to the connecting plaza.

The orientation allows the building to take advantage of daylighting and views onto the plaza on the north, while striated insulated metal panel walls protect the western exposure from solar heat gain and glare. On the west façade, the northern bay extends beyond the core and the southern bay to create year-round shading. The eastern and southern exposures integrate strategically placed angled vertical mesh panels to reduce glare, provide shading, and maintain transparency. The high-bay research space on the ground floor is recessed to create shade, and incorporates precast concrete wall panels for additional durability.

The building is designed for maximum flexibility to accommodate the evolving needs of students, staff, entrepreneurs, and corporate research partners. The design anticipates frequent changes in users in both the office and the lab space; these areas surround a central core for easy access to mechanical, power, and data systems.