The Lewis Integrative Science Building at the University is one of the most expensive ever built at the University of Oregon. It is also one of the most impressive, with a slew of green engineering marvels contained in its 100,000 square feet.
Standing in the atrium surrounded by windows on all sides is Tanner Perrine, Project Engineer for Lease Crutcher Lewis construction company.
“Here in the atrium there is what is called a night flush system. If the temperature outside is cooler than it is inside during the night, it flushes all the hot air outside while drawing the cool air inside to help keep the building cool,” Perrine said.
Along yet more windows leading into a lab area are rails to prevent people leaning into the windows with trays at regular intervals. Colored grease pencils will be distributed to these tray to allow drawing or writing out of equations and formula on the glass in the hallways.
The new science building will also have six different connections to other buildings.
Taking advantage of all the natural light it can, the building looks almost like a greenhouse. But the climate is controlled and monitored by an independent system that will shut the air conditioning off when windows are opened in classrooms or offices to prevent the waste of energy.
The grand opening is slated for commencement on October 26 at 11:30 a.m.