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Realizing the University’s vision of a world-class, multidisciplinary life science research facility, CUNY’s 200,000 square foot ASRC building focuses on collaborative research in five core areas of global research: nanoscience, photonics, structural biology, neuroscience, and environmental sciences. With flowing floor plans and a wide-open central stairway, the glass-encased building was designed to foster intellectual cross-pollination and partnerships between labs, with built-in flexibility to adapt to changing research needs.
Featuring a 5,000 square foot clean room—currently the largest of its kind in the State, advanced environmental-sensing equipment to collect and analyze earth and atmospheric data from satellites, and state-of-the-art nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers, the ultra-sophisticated ARSC facility had an unprecedented bar for design criteria and construction tolerances. DASNY and architect-of-record Flad Architects worked with core and shell design architects Kohn Pederson Fox Associates, CM Skanska USA, and 27 specialists—including a laboratory planner and IT, vibration, wind, clean room, and environmental consultants—to meet the stringent requirements. Among the challenges the design and construction team faced were shielding the building from electromagnetic radiation from subway lines to the east and west; excavation to remove 55,000 cubic yards of Manhattan schist; and utility work. At peak, more than 600 people were involved in the construction process.
Located across a landscaped plaza/green roof, sister building CCNY Center for Discovery and Innovation is architecturally similar to the ASRC and shares a ground floor entrance, mechanical and electrical infrastructure, and shipping and receiving area. The new Center for Discovery will enable expansion of the environmentally demanding research currently housed in the College’s Marshak Science Tower. Flexible labs and support spaces will accommodate advanced collaborative research in the areas of biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and neuroscience.
LEED Gold Certification is anticipated for both the ASRC and Center for Discovery and Innovation facilities.
Special thanks to Stephen Curro, Managing Director of Construction, John Pasicznyk, Managing Director of Construction Metro NY, Michael Stabulas, Director Downstate Construction, Frank Frasco, Chief Project Manager, Michael Cacchio, Senior Project Manager, Lucy Sanchez and Cornelia Gagiu, Field Representatives, Anthony Vermaat, Project Accountant, Jennifer Alleyne, Office Assistant, Jack Homkow and Joanne Oliver, Environmental Affairs, Michael Clay and Rodney Ross, Opportunity Programs Group, Jack Kemp and Marvin Frasier, Construction Services Contracts, Dawn Langenbach and Susan Valente, Professional Services Contracts, Ann Dodson, Michelle Bryant and Pat Gallagher (retiree), Risk Management, Richard Visconti, Robert Leask and Richard Theriault, Code Compliance, Thomas Piwinski, Larry Palleschi, Rick Tong, Bennett Carlin and Robert Dooley, Downstate Design, Pat Fennelly, Cost Control, Damian Muniz Office of Internal Affairs and Donna Halpin and Stephanie Gilbert, Purchasing.
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