The project identifies with a modern and functional design, enhanced through a series of L-shaped interior and exterior design elements that are reminiscent of road and bridge structures. The building is organized around a circulation spine – an internal street – with the lab, office, and training areas connecting to it.

The office area is a large open space with floor-to-ceiling glass providing views to the outside. The training area is in a separate cluster located off of the main entry.

Although the laboratories are a separate block, they are well integrated visually and functionally with the office and training areas. The main labs – concrete, soil, aggregate and bituminous – were combined as one large open lab, separating only the bituminous hood areas  with a glazed partition. The open lab has access to natural light and communicates with the rest of the building through a large window. The ancillary labs, curing rooms, isotope storage, prep areas are in immediate adjacency.

Awards and Recognitions

• 2006 CDB Pride in Partnership Award Nomination
• “IDOT Material Testing Laboratory and Offices”, PCI Journal, July/August 2004
• “Architects – Messengers of Innovation”, Architectura, Issue 3-4, 2004