Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work - Academic Health Center 5 at Florida International University

Florida International University's (FIU) Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work - Academic Health Centers 4 and 5 are gateway projects and part of the master plan for the university.

"ACH 4 and 5 are highly efficient, smart buildings from the interiors to the envelopes. We wanted to create structures that work together to tie the existing campus to the new precinct. They are meant to convey that buildings work in community as do the colleges, and so the connectivity between buildings was important.”

- Pat Bosch, Principal, Perkins&Will

The building’s design resists wind pressure with its curvilinear massing of alternating precast panels and glass. From the courtyard, it resembles a large, white windsail. This façade rhythm continues eastward and transforms into large solar shading fins. Architectural precast concrete systems are a cost-effective and durable solution for campus structures especially those located in a hurricane zone.

AHC5 is built to withstand extreme events such as hurricanes not only to comply with the state of Florida’s mandate to withstand 160-mph winds but also because the building must remain operational during storms. The six-story building houses an atmospheric lab and a media center where broadcasters issue news updates during storms. 

FIU constructs its campus with resiliency in mind. Through the help of a FEMA grant, FIU holds the designation of Disaster-Resistant University and is home to the Academy for International Disaster Preparedness.

 

RELATED STORIES
Ascent, Winter 2019, FIU Uses Precast Concrete to Build a Resilient and Beautiful Campus

LOCATION
Miami, FL

ARCHITECT
Perkins&Will

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