Laboratory Sciences Vassar College, Poughkeepsie Building, Campus Images
Bridge for Laboratory Sciences, Vassar College
New York State Higher Education Building, USA – design by Ennead Architects
Apr 30, 2017
Integrated Science Commons, Vassar College
Location: City of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York State, USA
Design: Ennead Architects
Bridge for Laboratory Sciences at Vassar College
The new Bridge for Laboratory Sciences redefines the sciences at Vassar.
The building is both literally and figuratively a transformative connector ? bridging the disciplines of science and the surrounding wetland, while built like a bridge for minimal impact on the environment.

The building reflects Vassar’s commitment to science, research and environmental advocacy, as well as the symbiotic relationship between scientists, students, and the landscape in which they work. Consistent with the existing scale of the campus, the new two-story building is intimate and inviting. The curve of the building minimizes the external impact of its size on its context, while its curved interior passageway creates a central corridor for student activity with panoramic views out to the natural landscape below.

This experience of a ?building in the trees? inspired the tree pattern of the building?s façade. Acknowledging the wetland corridor as an avian flight path, Vassar is at the cutting-edge of bird-friendly design.
The Bridge for Laboratory Sciences incorporates a number of innovativ...