The redesign of a world- class institution

Project: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, New York Architects: WEISS/ MANFREDI Architecture/ Landscape/ Urbanism, New York

2020-03-05 - Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, New York WEISS/ MANFREDI Architecture/ Landscape/ Urbanism, New York

Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is an internationally- recognised leader in veterinary education, research, diagnostics, animal care and biomedical science. Through outreach that ranges from Ebola virus prevention to healthy pet clinics, and research ranging from invasive diseases to species tracking, the college works to support communities across the world by leading in research on animal health and infectious disease prevention. The new design transforms the original complex, an ad- hoc collection of individual buildings, into a cohesive campus— through strategic demolition of nonadaptable structures, renovation of existing buildings, and new construction. It signals the importance

of the institution and enables the school to advance research, while offering innovative curriculum for training future practitioners and researchers.

The 117,000 square foot project features a new 67,000 square foot addition and 50,000 square foot gut- renovation— adding teaching spaces, connecting the hospital to the college, and creating public forums for programmed and spontaneous activities, all within the same overall square- footage as the original complex. Located at the eastern terminus of Tower Road, the expansion provides an updated anchor to Cornell’s east- west campus axis. Here, a redesigned Entry Plaza is framed by a new Library Wing and a re- clad Veterinary Research Tower providing a unifi ed identity and front door to what was formerly a mixture of building styles and entries. Selective demolition of under- utilised and nonadaptable structures created opportunities to reconnect existing laboratories and insert a series of classrooms and lecture halls, centred around a wood- lined, three storey space.

The most notable newly constructed

space is the Gallery which creates a ‘ town square’ for the Veterinary Complex, providing opportunities for informal meetings, social gatherings, performances and dining, while clarifying circulation and providing connections to teaching and research spaces, the medical centre, and a new shared central courtyard.

The Gallery connects to teaching spaces that include two new wood- lined, double- storeyed lecture halls, which support seating for up to 160 people each. These can be combined to provide an amphitheatre for larger scale symposiums,

lectures, and performances. Additionally, two new 60- seat, flat- floor classrooms allow for multiple teaching configurations. Renovated lecture halls and laboratories, as well as new seminar rooms, a cafeteria and administrative suites within the existing complex encircle the Gallery, providing a seamless transition between the existing and the new.

The redesign significantly increases the energy efficiency of the new spaces as well as the existing Research Tower, featuring sustainably harvested wood as well as local and recycled materials. Radiant floor heating and cooling is employed throughout the new spaces, and a new curtainwall on the existing Research Tower replaces a single- paned glass façade providing improved insulation. Surrounding the college are native plantings and an Entry Plaza featuring a bioretention basin for more efficient storm water management. During the day and at night, the building is illuminated exclusively with LED lighting. The project achieved the prestigious LEED Gold certification. The design expands the existing college through strategic interior renovations and bold new additions, creating a coherent internal campus that is a compelling

expression of the vitality and critical relevance of veterinary medicine. This project reaffirms the college’s position as a global institution.

Factfile

Client: Cornell University

Project team: WEISS/ MANFREDI Architecture/ Landscape/

Urbanism - Michael A. Manfredi, FAIA and Marion Weiss

( Architecture & Site Design); FAIA ( Design Partners);

Clifton Balch, RA ( Project Manager); Matthew G. Ferraro, AIA,

LEED- AP BD+ C ( Senior Project Architect); Michael Steiner, AIA,

ASLA ( Project Architect); Noah Z. Levy, RA, Lee Lim, RA, Johnny

Lin, RA, Joe Littrell, RA ( Project Team); Christopher Ballentine, RA,

Michael Blasberg, RA, Ann Charleston, Claire Edelen,

Melaney Gorman ( additional team members)