Stephen A. Levin Building Wins Architectural Award

The Stephen A. Levin Building at the University of Pennsylvania has received the Gold/Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects–Potomac Valley. One of the judges called the structure, “A very handsome building, and our favorite from the very beginning. It is filled with delightful spaces that encourage collegiality. It is a beautifully crafted, nicely proportioned, and a respectful building.”

The six-story Levin Building integrates psychology, biology and behavioral sciences under one roof with research laboratories, teaching facilities, and space for students to collaborate and study. Strategically located between the Leidy Labs at 3740 Hamilton Walk and the Carolyn Lynch Labs at 433 S. University Ave., the building completed Penn Arts and Sciences’ life sciences expansion project.

The building’s design team was led by SmithGroup JJR Architects and Engineers. P. Agnes Inc. was the construction manager. Its design reflects its function in the ornate aluminum sunscreen on the south façade, designed to convey the branching and network structures found at all scales of biology and to resonate in psychological, linguistic, and cognitive models. The sunscreen also contributes to the building’s sustainability by offering an expected minimal 50 percent reduction of solar heat gain during summer months. As with every new building on Penn’s campus, the project is targeting a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating or higher.

“At first glance you are enthralled by the beautiful patterned scrim, but you soon realize that this project is much more than a pretty face,” said another juror. “An understanding of contextual connectivity has enabled it to feel integrated into the experience of a campus. And the same craft found in the detailing of the scrim continues into the public spaces on the interior of the building.”

The AIA Potomac Valley Chapter Excellence in Design Awards program is designed to encourage and recognize distinguished architectural achievement; to honor the architectural teams, their clients and consultants who work together to improve the built environment; to demonstrate the breadth of services architects provide; and to celebrate and raise public consciousness of the architect’s role in shaping the quality of life through design excellence.