Caltech Chen Neuroscience Research Building

About the Project

The Caltech Chen Neuroscience Research Building is a five-story, state-of-the-art research facility that serves as Caltech’s new administrative and knowledge center for the Division of Biology and Biological Engineering. Funded by a $115 million donation by Chinese billionaires Tianqiao Chen and Chrissy Lou, the neuroscience institute investigates the challenges in understanding how the brain works, focusing on the discovery, treatment and development of the brain.

The facility includes neuroscience research laboratories and support spaces, tunnel connections, mechanical equipment, a 150-seat lecture hall, a conference room, a teaching lab, research administration space and offices. During construction, the project team excavated 67,000 cubic yards of dirt and installed 2,100 steel beams and 16,200 pounds of copper on the building façade.

Quick Facts

  • Location Pasadena, California
  • Client California Institute of Technology
  • Architect SmithGroup
  • Industry Science + Technology
  • Line of Business Construction
  • Delivery Method Design-Build
  • Completion Date October 2020
  • Duration 42 Months
  • Contract Value $ 193,540,594
  • Sustainability LEED Gold
  • Square Footage 144,780 SF

Awards

2022

  • Lab Manager – Design Excellence Award – Excellence in Innovation
  • AGC of California – Constructor Award – Builder $75 – $200 Million

2021

  • World Prix Versailles Organization – World Title – Campuses
  • Design-Build Institute of America – National Award of Excellence – Industrial, Process and/or Research Facilities
  • Design-Build Institute of America – National Award of Merit – Industrial, Process and/or Research Facilities
  • Design-Build Institute of America Western Pacific Region – Project of the Year
  • Design-Build Institute of America Western Pacific Region – Design Excellence Award
  • Building Design + Construction – Building Team Awards – Gold Award
  • Copper Development Association, Inc. – North American Copper in Architecture Award – New Construction

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