Project Description
Designed for Arizona State University, ISTB-7, the interdisciplinary science and research complex, represents a new generation of sustainable design solutions, climate-responsive, and regenerative technologies that make buildings not a consumer of resources, but a creator and source of energy, water, carbon and other nutrients. It shows what future buildings will look like. ISTB-7 anchors a new research precinct on the Gateway edge to ASU’s Tempe Campus incorporating a light rail transportation hub, plaza and a historic canal segment. The building will support advanced research in sustainability and robotics in service to solving the emerging energy, water and food crises. Building materials incorporate Arizona State University’s cutting-edge scientific research on integrated carbon-capture technology. The 258,000 sf project is a next-generation, triple net-zero facility, envisioned as a prototype for stand-alone, closed loop infrastructure, that ultimately produces and collects more energy and water than it uses. Methods to save and produce energy include air currents, evapotranspiration and photovoltaics. The complex treats and recycles sewage for use as greywater using low-energy, bio-based systems. Waste water and air is recycled through a centrally located Biome, using plant-based bio-filtration. The Biome collects and organizes collaborative, open work environments around research “neighborhoods” dedicated to solving problems related to resiliency: energy, water and food. Rainwater is collected and sun shades keep the interiors cool and comfortable. This sustainable research facility also consists of labs, offices, meeting spaces and a large indoor atrium biome full of plants and water – a beautiful campus space that supports life itself.