Cincinnati Children’s Clinical Sciences Pavilion

The Clinical Sciences Pavilion at Cincinnati Children’s is a state of the art research building built to support the institution’s vision to be the “leader in improving child health.” The wet lab floor plan is the driver of the design and functionality of the building. Its parti is to enhance daylight while providing clear views through the labs from one side of the building to the other. This concept also proved to be highly effective for the dry lab (traditional office-based) research floors.

The subterranean first floor allowed for a unique design opportunity. The adjacent ground was excavated to create an outdoor courtyard, allowing natural light in and views out of the atrium that serves as the clinic waiting area. 

An additional design opportunity was available on the 14th floor by carving out a portion of the mechanical penthouse for meeting space as well as an outdoor roof terrace for staff and community.

On the south side of the building, the curved glass façade matches that of the adjoining research facility. The east facade of the building is mostly glass curtainwall with projecting fins to screen sunlight and manage glare.  By sloping perimeter ceilings on each floor and painting them bright colors we were able to create a cost-effective way to activate the façade to serve as a “night light”, providing a positive distraction for patients in the adjacent bed tower.