Simons Center for Geometry and Physics

2010
Written By Perkins Eastman
WHO
Architect: Perkins Eastman
Facade Design: Advanced Structures Inc.
WHERE & WHEN
Stony Brook, NY
Americas
Completed · 2010
WHAT & HOW
Education · New Build
Feature facade and other glass scopes
VS1 wall with exterior shading; parapet; canopies; enclosed bridge

The new Simons Center for Geometry and Physics at Stony Brook University, creates a prominent mark on a campus that employs sustainable strategies to achieve LEED Gold certification. A screen of exterior louvers shades the south facade reducing internal cooling loads for the building mechanical systems, thereby reducing energy consumption. In addition to the exterior louvers, the insulating glass units feature a ceramic frit applied to the glass in a gradient pattern, which further reduces direct solar energy transmission while maintaining transparency and the flow of natural light. 

The VS1 walls extend above the building roof to create glass handrails for occupied roof areas. The VS1 system was used to clad a bridge connecting the new center to the existing mathematics building. Two creased aluminum plate entrance canopies with integrated concealed gutters complete this tour-de-force of the VS1 system. 

“I have collaborated with Franz for close to 30 years, he has been one of my go-to people when I want to work with an open-minded and creative partner, someone to bounce ideas around and solve interesting problems, of any scale and budget—butterfly houses, facades of all types, canopies, and glass steps. I have found Franz never shies away from a challenge, he has an intuitive sense of design and engineering, and like all great collaborators, gets excited when you start asking the “what if” questions. There is nothing quite as fun and fulfilling as sketching through the various design solutions to an option. I have never heard no from Franz; he is always positive and delivers quality through and through.”
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Nicholas Leahy Co-CEO and Executive Director
PERKINS EASTMAN

Perkins Eastman
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