University of Delaware / Building X

Building X, occupying the site of the former McKinly Hall, is a 132,500 square foot interdisciplinary research facility. This structure comprises three above-ground stories, a mechanical penthouse, and a complete basement level which houses high performance Physics Laboratories. The purpose of the building is to provide recruiting experimental spaces for Biology, Physios and Neuro Psych.

An interconnecting bridge provides a physical link between Building X and the Life Sciences Research Building. As an integral component of The College of Arts and Sciences, Building X fosters interdisciplinary collaboration by organizing research spaces around thematic areas instead of traditional departmental structures. The facility accommodates both damp and dry laboratory environments, serving 48 research scientists from the fields of Physics, Biology, and Psychology. Emphasis is placed upon shared core facilities for Physics and Life Sciences. Furthermore, Building X provides instruction to over 1,000 students annually using Biology four teaching laboratories.

Building X replaces laboratories lost in the 2017 McKinly Hall fire, including Neuro research labs and vivaria, and teaching labs. In order to accommodate the new building a 17 million dollar vivarium addition was added to the LSRB – as an enabling project. Building X creates a social life using ample office space, conference rooms, and social areas are provided to support the diverse community of students and post-doctoral researchers. A 180 kW-DC rooftop solar photovoltaic array is integrated into the building’s design, with an anticipated annual generation of over 220,000 kWh, an amount equivalent to the annual energy consumption of 20 typical residential dwellings.

The landscape surrounding McKinly Plaza has undergone a comprehensive redesign to establish enhanced visual and physical linkages to the University of Delaware’s main quadrangle. This redesign has resulted in a spacious and welcoming courtyard featuring communal gathering spaces and bench-style dining areas.