Health Sciences Education Building 2015 AIA CAE Design Excellence

HSEB University of Arizona & Northern Arizona University Phoenix, Arizona, is one of nine award winning designs for the 2015 AIA CAE Educational Facility Design Awards Program. Here, architecture utilizes sustainable solutions to counteract the tough climate of the desert. 



Climate and environment are the key words for the Health Sciences Education Building of the University of Arizona & Northern Arizona University Phoenix, project designed by CO Architects from Los Angeles together with the local firm
Ayers Saint Gross.



The architecture of the two universities is presented as a continuation of the natural landscape with  definite reference to the nearby canyons, thanks to the facade clad in streaked copper which comes from Arizona. Not only an iconic combination, because the folded panels are similar to  geological shapes, but also causing efficient protection from the heat of the desert. 





The HSEB is arranged in two branches from east to west and creates a sort of artificial canyon between them which is covered by PTFE tarpaulin to supply shade for the courtyard. This is a design solution to the desert climate which becomes a relaxing and shared place for the students. 





The CO Architects' design, in collaboration with the Ayers Saint Gross studio, won the CAE (Committee on Architecture of Education) panel of judges for the AIA over with its sustainability and the care taken in expressing its impressive identity as well as focusing on the encouragement of interaction between students and professors.



This new architectural landmark in the city of Phoenix has been honoured with the Award of Excellence.

Christiane Bürklein

Executive & Design Architect: CO Architects – Los Angeles, CA 
Associate Architect: Ayers Saint Gross – Tempe, AZ
Location: Phoenix Arizona, USA
Year: 2012
Structural: John A. Martin & Associates 
MEP Engineer: Affiliated Engineers 
Civil Engineer: Dibble Engineering 
Landscape Architect: Floor Associates 
Photographer: Bill Timmerman Photography
Awards: 2014 WAN Facade Award  - 2014 The Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Awards Health Sciences Education Building, Phoenix - 2015 CAE Award of Excellence