Past Construction Projects

The Northwest Corner Building

Norwest Corner Building by Michael Moran.jpg

ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
Columbia University's need for additional space for scientific instruction and research facilities continues to increase. To help alleviate this need for space and to better meet the scientific challenges of the 21st century, the University constructed a new science building on the northwest corner of its Morningside campus.

The Northwest Corner Building (NWC) houses faculty offices, classrooms, and research facilities for the disciplines of chemistry, biology, engineering and physics. Serving as a physical and intellectual bridge, linking laboratories and maximizing the ready sharing and exchange of ideas, resources and information, the new building will enhance the existing collaborations and stimulate new ones.

Related sites:

Office of the Executive Vice President of Research

DESIGN FEATURES & SUSTAINABLE ELEMENTS:

  • Sustainable and low vibration design
  • 7 research lab floors
  • 21 new labs
  • Integrated science library
  • 164-seat lecture hall
  • Café on the building's 200 level, with direct views of Broadway and 120th Street
  • New access point to the Morningside campus - entrances at 120th Street and Broadway as well as at the plaza level
  • Connections between Chandler (chemistry) and Pupin (physics and astronomy), CEPSR (engineering), Mudd (engineering and applied science) and Fairchild (biology).
  • LEED Gold
  • Design elements meet Labs21® criteria, a voluntary partnership program dedicated to improving the environmental performance of U.S. laboratories

ARCHITECTS:

  • Design Architect:
    Rafael Moneo Valles Arquitecto
    Madrid, Spain 
    José Rafael Moneo, Lead Designer
  • Design Project Architect:
    Moneo Brock Studio
    Madrid, Spain
    Belen Moneo and Jeff Brock, Lead Designers    
  • Associate Architect:
    Davis Brody Bond Aedas
    New York, NY
    William Paxson, Partner-in-Charge                            

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER: Turner Construction

STRUCTURAL/MECHANICAL ENGINEER: Ove Arup & Partners Consulting Engineers

PROJECT MANAGER: Columbia University Facilities - Capital Project Management

PROGRAM: Arts & Sciences and Engineering and Applied Sciences 

LOCATION: 550 West 120th Street and Broadway, above the Dodge Physical Fitness Center and between Chandler Hall and Pupin Physics Laboratories 

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 188,000 gross square feet

STORIES: 14

GROUNDBREAKING: March 2007

OCCUPANCY DATE: November 29, 2010