Oregon State University

The Collaborative Life Sciences Building contains lecture halls, classrooms, labs, specialty research centers, offices, simulation centers and a state-of-the-art facility for the OHSU School of Dentistry. As part of its multifaceted public mission, OHSU strives for excellence in education, research and scholarship, clinical practice and community service. Through its dynamic interdisciplinary environment, OHSU stimulates the spirit of inquiry, initiative, and cooperation among students, faculty and staff.

The vision for this remarkable new facility is that students from different health care professions are able to mingle in shared spaces, learn alongside each other, and work collaboratively through a variety of inter-professional education courses. Every aspect of the building’s design encourages human interaction and collaboration to build collective brain power. It reflects a new approach to health care education, recognizing 21st century challenges and opportunities in the quickly changing health care field.

The Collaborative Life Sciences Building & Skourtes Tower brings together Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon State University and Portland State University in one location to benefit all of Oregon. The $295 million building is the first on this scale to combine the resources of multiple universities to offer the best possible science education and research opportunities for students. The facility strengthens partnerships between the universities while expanding their teaching facilities, class sizes and research activities.

In 2014, the new Collaborative Life Sciences Building was awarded LEED Platinum certification status. The criteria for this award was set by the U.S. Building Council to provide objective criteria for rating the energy efficiency, public health benefit and low-impact design of new and existing structures. To reflect these values SERA Architects opted for a natural wood effect finish to the building. Thanks to the extensive colour ranges of the Vitrabond range, Fairview Architectural were able to provide the perfect match for the projects needs.

Vitrabond is a high quality, lightweight aluminium cladding panel ideal for internal and external facades, window reveals, soffit linings and balconies. Long-lasting, low maintenance and a huge colour range are some of this product’s advantages. The panels are rigid but can be formed and shaped to suit any design. Thanks to a superior method coating, the resistance against corrosion and protection against solar radiation and weathering is excellent.