URochester / Transformational Sciences and Engineering Building

Transformational Science and Engineering Building TSEB

In June 2024, the University of Rochester selected Wiliam Wilson Architects and Behnisch Architekten to provide the feasibility/program and concept for two major new buildings. One is a biology/chemistry/earth sciences program for the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) and the other is a physics/chemistry nano program, to invest in interdisciplinary initiatives for the Hajim School of Engineering. WWA provides leadership in the process and the lab design, and Behnisch Architekten provides leadership in the overall design.

During the study, the two projects were consolidated into one project called the TSEB, resulting in improved synergy and cost effectiveness. The TSEB consists of twenty one technical neighborhoods, totaling 53 faculty and 747 research positions. Shared components include a clean room, imaging, conference rooms, loading dock and shared shell space. All of these spaces are programmed by WWA together with specialty consultants.

The TSEB addresses two needs, one is to replace Hutchison Hall, and the other is to grow their long standing programs in cryo/quantum/optics. The transformational part of the TSEB is in the field of Quantum/Cryo/Optics. This includes the overlap of science and engineering. The SAS science programs provide space for renewal and replacement, and will vacate an older building called Hutchison Hall.

Our approach is to organize stakeholder workshops around technical neighborhoods, understand existing activities and segway into future needs. The programming occurs bottoms up, and top down. An initial program was developed without a budget. This “wish list” was used to set a budget and the program was revised to the available budget. The feasibility/program and concept are nearing completion and the formal design of the 583K gsf building is expected to start February 2026.