In the field of nanotechnology, few institutions boast a more sterling reputation than Penn.
The University is ranked among the top institutions in the world for the importance of its research, the quality of its teaching and the quantity of nanotech breakthroughs that are translated into real-world applications. There’s just one area where Penn lags behind: Facilities.
According to one recent nanotech ranking, in fact, the nanotech facilities of the School of Engineering and Applied Science weren’t listed at all.
That’s about to change. Helped along by a recent $20 million gift from alumnus Krishna Singh, Penn and SEAS are moving forward with a plan to build a sparkling new nanotechnology research facility at 33rd and Walnut streets. The building, tentatively scheduled to open in 2011, will spread over 80,000 square feet, cost roughly $80 million to build and finally provide Penn’s esteemed nanotech researchers with a home befitting of their reputation.
The Krishna P. Singh Center for Nanotechnology also figures to make Penn, and West Philadelphia, one of the most important research centers in all the world.
“This building is the missing link,” says SEAS Dean Eduardo Glandt. “And not just for engineering. It will also be important for the natural sciences, and for medicine, since nanotech is the future there. This will be a regional facility that will serve Philadelphia and the entire region—it will open to anyone who wants to do research there.”
Glandt says SEAS and the University are currently in the process of choosing an architect for the building, and hope to have that selection finalized by early next year. Construction of the building—one of the most important projects in recent Penn history—is likely to begin in 2009.
“The site is a very strategic site,” Glandt says. “It will have to serve, really, as the gateway to campus. We want this building to be the first friendly academic face that Penn offers visitors when they arrive.”
Whichever design firm is chosen for the job will face a unique challenge, Glandt says.
Nanotechnology research and development facilities require very specific conditions and unique structural amenities that other lab facilities don’t. Specifically, that huge basement lab, the true heart of the facility, will have to be built in such a way that will make it completely free of dust, vibration and all electrical and magnetic fields.
It would be a design challenge no matter where the facility was located. But given that the Singh Center will be adjacent not only to a very busy stretch of Walnut Street, but also the SEPTA Green Line trolley, the challenge is increased significantly. “We’re basically going to have to have columns going to the bottom of the earth to make sure the basement is free of vibration,” jokes Glandt.
The structural requirements of the basement facility are certain to have an impact on its larger design, Glandt says. But that doesn’t mean SEAS is looking for anything but a stunning, captivating design.
“The inside of the building is highly prescribed,” Glandt says. “But with the outside, we want it to be a very proud, ‘Welcome to Penn,’ kind of design. This building will have to be better than, or at least the equal of, Skirkanich Hall. So obviously the selection of the architect is very important.”
For more information about the Singh Center, visit the Penn Connects home page at www.pennconnects.upenn.edu.
Originally published Nov. 15, 2007.
