The public is getting a look at what a new research building will look like at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) once it's completed.
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| The proposed exterior design for the Interdisciplinary Research Building at the University of Texas at El Paso. (UTEP) |
New renderings are available showing the exterior design and proposed landscaping for the Interdisciplinary Research Building (IDRB) which will be constructed at the western edge of the current campus.
The $85 million project was approved by the Texas Legislature in 2015 and will include 150,000 square feet spread out across the five story structure.
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| This rendering shows proposed landscaping around the Interdisciplinary Research Building planned for the University of Texas at El Paso. (UTEP) |
The IDRB will take up a prominent spot adjacent to the main roundabout off of Interstate 10, which most will recognize from the "Mining Minds" pickaxe sculpture rising from its center. This is at the intersection of Sun Bowl Drive and West University Avenue. Two aging residence halls were demolished to make way for the IDRB.
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| The University of Texas at El Paso's planned Interdisciplinary Research Building will be located at the intersection of Sun Bowl Drive and West University Avenue, shown in brown on this map. (UTEP) |
"The Interdisciplinary Research Building for the University of Texas at El Paso will provide a variety of flexible spaces to enable students and faculty to engage in collaborative research and projects," states the project's Executive Summary.
"Spaces within the new facility should be responsive to current and future needs, and promote adaptability and collegial interaction."
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| The University of Texas at El Paso's future Interdisciplinary Research Building, as it will look like from the east along West University Avenue. (UTEP) |
Areas within the building will include core research facilities, research labs, conference/display spaces, as well as gathering, office, and building support spaces.
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| Pedestrian paths will include elevated walkways, as seen in the landscape plan for the Interdisciplinary Research Building at the University of Texas at El Paso. (UTEP) |
The Perkins + Will firm from Houston was chosen as architect for the project.
Groundbreaking for the facility is scheduled for early 2017 with a completion date expected in 2020.