University of Strathclyde, The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS)
Renfrewshire, Scotland
American University, Hall of Science
Washington, DC, United States
Credit: Jeffery Totaro Photography
Credit: Jeffery Totaro Photography
Credit: Jeffery Totaro Photography
Credit: Jeffery Totaro Photography
Project Summary
Following MGAC’s successful delivery of the East Campus, American University (AU) commissioned MGAC to lead the design and construction of the new 125,000 SF five-story Hall of Science facility. AU’s goal was to relocate the biology, environmental sciences, chemistry, and neuroscience departments from various buildings across campus to a modern, centralized location.
MGAC's Role
Project management services included GMP negotiation, procurement oversight, management of furniture procurement, and move management. MGAC prepared and delivered Environmental Intake Screen Form approval ahead of schedule, managed two rounds of value engineering totaling $7M, and engaged in accelerated permit approval through the U.S. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs’ Velocity program. In addition, MGAC was contracted by AU to manage the procurement and implementation of the FF&E scope required to support their science programs in this newly constructed building.
Challenges
Located in the middle of the University’s urban DC campus, MGAC had to navigate the logistics of a project being developed on a constrained site with a major campus infrastructure project (steam line replacement) occurring concurrently on three sides. Student housing located next door and concerned neighbors also were a challenge to the project team. In addition to locational issues, MGAC navigated zoning approval which required several strict conditions including building height and setback limits, work hour restrictions, tight controls on truck routes, and noise and vibration restriction.
Success Factors
The new LEED Gold facility features 12 cutting-edge teaching laboratories and flexible classrooms to encourage creativity and innovation across disciplines, The project aims to foster collaboration across multiple disciplines through shared space and research laboratories.
