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The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, US
2019–2024
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. Modern building with innovative sun protection. Pedestrians walk up the ramp to the building.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. Buildings in the evening atmosphere. The surrounding city in the background.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. People are sitting at a high counter in a bright, open space in the building with large windows and an exposed ceiling.
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Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. Modern building with innovative sun protection. Pedestrians walk up the ramp to the building.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. Buildings in the evening atmosphere. The surrounding city in the background.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. People are sitting at a high counter in a bright, open space in the building with large windows and an exposed ceiling.

The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology (VLEST) at the University of Pennsylvania is a newly completed research facility focused on sustainable energy, uniting scientists, policymakers, and students to drive progress in the field. The building’s dynamic composition expresses the internal organization of its labs, collaboration zones, and office spaces.

Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. Axonometric building diagram with program blocks and sun path.

Solar and Massing Diagram

Located on the eastern edge of the campus, the project transforms a former parking lot into a pedestrian-friendly gateway that raises public awareness of the critical role energy research plays in combating climate change. The building features a courtyard with bio-retention swales and native plants, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability. The architectural design reflects the facility's energy-conscious mission, integrating passive and technical innovations to optimize energy performance.

Client
Facilities and Real Estate Services University of Pennsylvania
Architects
Behnisch Architekturbüro
Address

3200 Walnut Street
19104 Philadelphia, PA
United States

Gross Area

10.219 qm / 110,000 sq.ft.

Gross Volume

56,600 cbm / 2,000,000 cu.ft

Competition

2019

Photography

Brad Feinknopf

Certification

LEED Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council

Awards

2025 Vitruvian Honors & Awards, winner
2025 Groundbreaking Award, nomination
2026 Green Good Design Award

Links

Sails Install

Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. Bright atrium with a staircase leading up to the next floor, large windows, and people sitting and walking around in it.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. Laboratory interior with people working on the equipment and staying in the laboratory.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. Students are sitting around a table in a bright room with large windows and a whiteboard.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. Students are working at tables in a bright studio with large windows and whiteboard drawings. In the background, a corridor can be seen leading to other areas of the building.
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Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. Bright atrium with a staircase leading up to the next floor, large windows, and people sitting and walking around in it.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. Laboratory interior with people working on the equipment and staying in the laboratory.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. Students are sitting around a table in a bright room with large windows and a whiteboard.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. Students are working at tables in a bright studio with large windows and whiteboard drawings. In the background, a corridor can be seen leading to other areas of the building.

The VLEST is designed to serve as a gateway to the campus, bridging the height difference between Walnut and 32nd Streets. It introduces a plaza deck, creating a pedestrian link between Walnut Street and the Palestra, the university's historic basketball arena, while also connecting with Shoemaker Green. The building includes high-performance labs, office spaces, and collaboration areas, with double-height spaces fostering interaction. The labs are strategically placed along the eastern facade, offering views of the Schuylkill River. The building incorporates a range of passive design strategies, such as operable windows for natural ventilation and a high-efficiency heat recovery system to reduce energy use.

Site Plan

Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. Modern glass building with vertical fins and stacked volumes in urban setting.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. Students are sitting at tables on the green terrace. The sun protection can be seen in the background.
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Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. Modern glass building with vertical fins and stacked volumes in urban setting.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. Students are sitting at tables on the green terrace. The sun protection can be seen in the background.

Sustainability is central to the design, with a focus on achieving LEED Platinum certification. The building is divided into low and high-energy zones to optimize HVAC systems and passive strategies. Additionally, radiant heating and cooling systems ensure occupant comfort, and an automated Aircuity system adjusts air flow based on environmental conditions. The building's energy strategy contributes to the university's carbon neutrality goal by 2042. With innovative sunshades designed with advanced materials and a commitment to circularity, the VLEST demonstrates how architecture can support sustainable energy research while fostering collaboration and environmental stewardship.

Integrated Design Diagram

Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science & Technology, University of Pennsylvania. Modern office building with glass facade and vertical fins, illuminated at dusk in city street. On the right side of the building there is the sun protection.

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