ISTB3 by Jones Studio

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The ISTB3 (Building Interdisciplinary Science and Technology III) is an example of how varied and diverse departments merge into a collective unit. Program components include: Applied Sciences AZ Bio Institute, the Center for Applied Cognitive Science and the Center for Healthy Lifestyle) . Jones Studio designed outdoor courtyards and gardens to provide the user with an escape from the harsh summer conditions and for generating a visual relief from the intense investigative work being done in the building. All the time, the building is invaded by natural light. A shared lounge and other common features of the building, provide opportunities for informal meeting among the researchers in the building. The offices are intentionally located throughout the building, from laboratory areas to further promote impromptu talks. This project was certified LEED Gold.

For centuries the Sonoran Desert has inspired vernacular architecture oriented around protection from extreme temperatures. Using volume management strategies such as the building and its orientation, ISBT3 begins his response to the environment. A second source of inspiration comes from the desert area surrounding Mexico City, “The Gardens Entremurus.” Considered by his introverted attitude to the surrounding context, high walls and guard the perimeter structures, as calm and meditative gardens unfold from the structure.

The campus of the Polytechnic University of the State of Arizona is the former Air Force base east of Williams Phoenix metropolitan area. The site features a series of challenges that needed to be considered. Like all college campuses, the new building wants to be integrated into the overall master plan, while in turn reacts to your current physical condition it isolated within network sites were sterile as a result of repetitive left post war military structures.

The architects turned to the historical plot of Mexican architecture to create an introvert and secure research laboratory with interior courtyards. The walled gardens create an entry in a transitional sequence and organize the elements in the interior. The environmental conditions in laboratory are improved by the pleasing visual contact with the exterior landscape, the light enters through controlled items such as blinds and natural shade from trees.

With four separate departments, the organization programmatic and circulation system tries to encourage cross-departmental interaction research. This is a well done effort that respects the finite amount of resources available, so it consumes as little energy as possible for their operation. The university made at the time all the specifications for new construction that indicates the LEED Silver certification, becoming the first campus project involve these issues. Finally, the effort was offset by being able to obtain Gold Certification.