Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences

Toxicology and Pathology Research Building project designer with Perkins and Will

The challenge was to create a gateway to the James River beyond. The plan arrays two research blocks around a central atrium to create a building entry and lobby facing the river. The new research space provides state-of-the-art modular planning to allow for flexible assignment of space to investigators. The atrium and stairs are open to views beyond and intended to provide interaction space for the researchers within. This building is also about economy; it exceeds the state of Virginia guidelines for space efficiency, and the repetitive planning and design of the exterior provide a highly economical cladding strategy.

Project Data

62,000 square foot research building on three stories Gloucester Point Virginia – Mark Chen as principal designer at Perkins and Will with RWKB associate architect and GPR lab planners.