University of Arizona Applied Research Building Wins National Lab Design Excellence Award

University of Arizona Applied Research Building Wins Lab Design Award

Lab Design News recently recognized the SmithGroup-designed University of Arizona Applied Research Building (ARB) with the Excellence in Whole Building/Holistic Design—New Build award.

As part of its annual Design Excellence Awards program, Lab Design News sets a new standard to honor achievements in research laboratory design, planning and construction. A panel of industry leaders—consisting of researchers, laboratory architects, engineers, construction professionals and editorial staff from Lab Design—analyzes each entry for its approach to lab design. View the complete list of winners and honorees here. 

The ARB is a cutting-edge hub for space research, boasting a range of innovative features, including:

  • Thermal Vacuum Chamber: The largest at any university, weighing 33.5 tons and simulating space conditions.
  • Payload Integration High Bay Labs: 40-foot-high labs with 30-foot-high doors for constructing high-altitude balloons and CubeSats.
  • Mission Ops Command Center: NASA-inspired with a wall-sized display, reconfigurable furniture and breakout rooms.
  • Anechoic Echo-Free Chamber: Used for sound testing satellite communications.
  • Sustainable Façade: Includes textured vertical fins, integrated frit and a breathable rain screen for energy efficiency and comfort.