S H E A R

Designed as a catalyst for the next generation of translational health science research, mental and behavioral health, medical education, and personalized clinical care, the Anschutz Health Sciences Building (AHSB) at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus consolidates a myriad of formerly dispersed departments into an active interdisciplinary hub, creating a new paradigm for collaboration, discovery, and community. 

Geologic

The shearing of planes, extrusion of volumes and uplifting of forms were inspired the hyper-geology of Colorado. The shifts in the massing were aligned with the varied program and site forces.

For the exterior articulation, we developed a glazing system layout based on parametric analysis using the parameters of program, daylight, orientation and views. Each surface of the elevations had an optimal balance of these parameters which were matched with opening percentage and glazing configuration. Using a narrow computation, we were able to build a kit of parts and lay them out on elevations to test.

Gateway

The building celebrates a notable campus entry point while creating a glowing beacon and a vibrant node of activity on the quarter-mile Artwalk promenade, a major east-west campus path. The building invites the public realm of the campus inside through the use of transparency and a south facing ‘porch,’ providing a welcoming entrance as well as a place to linger.