Event Recap: September 2025 Member Series Tour - Amy Gutmann Hall and VLEST Building

October 22, 2025

Myles Elgart, AICP

Building the Future of Research: Inside Amy Gutmann Hall and the Vagelos Environmental Science and Technology Building

On September 30^th, 2025 members of The Urban Land Institute Philadelphia District Council had the honor to tour the recently completed Amy Gutmann Hall and the Vagelos Laboratory for Environmental Science and Technology (VLEST) Buildings. The tours were led by Member Series Co-chair Mayva Donnon, AIA, NCARB, Partner, KSS Architecture, Zac Stevenson, Senior Director Planning, Design & Construction at Penn Engineering, and Ryan Rose, Senior Director of Facilities, Planning & Operations, University of Pennslyvania. These buildings showcase a bold evolution in research design: a blend of sustainability, collaboration, and cutting-edge performance. Together, these projects represent a new generation of campus development—one that reimagines how physical environments can foster interdisciplinary discovery.

ULI Member Series co-chair Mayva Donnon welcomes members to Amy Gutmann Hall, September 30, 2025

A Vision Rooted in Research

Named after former University of Pennsylvania President Amy Gutmann, the hall anchors the university’s growing engineering and data science corridor. The project transformed a former parking lot and loading dock into a high-performing hub that unites researchers from diverse fields under one roof. Once the site was made available, the university identified environmental chemistry as the central focus, ultimately bringing together ten research teams to launch the program.

Designed by Behnisch Architekten, the building’s concept centers on transparency, connection, and sustainability. It reflects a campus-wide push for sustainable buildings by using materials and systems that minimize environmental impact while maximizing wellness.

Mass Timber: A Sustainable Statement

One of the defining features of Amy Gutmann Hall is its mass timber construction—a first of its kind at this scale for Penn and among the largest in the United States. The structural timber offers environmental benefits such as sequestering carbon, reducing embodied energy, and creating a warm, biophilic atmosphere for researchers and students.

The design integrates hybrid mass timber and steel systems, balancing the aesthetic and sustainability goals with height limitations and performance standards. Early coordination among engineers, architects, and builders was key, particularly in developing the chilled beam system that quietly regulates temperature while maintaining acoustic quality—a critical feature in the building’s vibration-sensitive labs.

Amy Gutmann Hall and VLEST Building

Collaborative common spaces in Amy Gutmann Hall
Mass Timber design and structure
Biophilia and vegetation surrounding the VLEST Building

Designing for Innovation

The building’s layout supports both quiet study spaces and collaborative initiatives. Laboratories located on the lower floors are constructed to comply with vibration criteria A and B, ensuring optimal conditions for environmental and data science research. On the floors above, the common spaces such as hallways and kitchens are specifically designed to encourage interaction.

Conference rooms and labs were placed along the east side of the building to maximize morning light. The interior glass walls and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the building reinforce visual connectivity with the outside neighborhood.

Bringing Nature Inside

In keeping with Penn’s commitment to sustainability, the building’s envelope and landscape integrate multiple green features. A living green wall, 400 square feet of balconies, and an additional 400 square feet of green roof space physically connect the building to nature. These elements reduce the indoor temperature, improve air quality, and offer outdoor gathering spaces.

Overcoming Obstacles and Innovating Through Challenge

Building with mass timber brought its share of challenges. Questions about cost, code compliance, and insurance arose early. The design and construction teams worked closely with FM Global, the building’s insurer, to develop a comprehensive risk management plan. This included enhanced sprinkler systems and other fire safety measures that ensured the project met all standards—without compromising the material’s sustainability goals.

From a regulatory standpoint, the project proceeded “by right,” undergoing a preliminary plan review with Licenses and Inspections to identify and address any unfamiliar code implications tied to the timber structure. This proactive collaboration helped keep the project on schedule.

Creating Spaces that Inspire

Across every level and space, Amy Gutmann Hall promotes innovation and social interaction. The lounge areas, high-top tables, and adaptable furniture support collaboration and structured programming, such as engineering community bootcamps.

Noise control was another priority. The building employs acoustic beam systems and noise-cancellation technologies to maintain a calm, focused environment—even in open, collaborative zones. Combined with radiant floors and four-pipe HVAC systems, the result is a space that’s not only efficient, but also comfortable.

Looking Forward

Amy Gutmann Hall signals the University of Pennsylvania’s commitment to designing environments that advance innovation and education while honoring sustainability and community. It, along with the VLEST Building, showcases how architecture can shape the future of research.

Contributed by Myles Elgart, AICP. Myles is a Staff Planner at CME Associates. He is a member of ULI Philadelphia’s Young Leaders Group.