Vagelos Laboratory for Energy at UPenn: A Sustainable and Collaborative Architectural Design

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Home » News » Vagelos Laboratory for Energy at UPenn: A Sustainable and Collaborative Architectural Design

The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology is a multi-story research facility designed to bring together scientists and students in a shared space that fosters collaboration across disciplines and emphasizes sustainable energy research.

The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy at UPenn, showcasing its modern architectural design with a dynamic ETFE sunshade facade, pedestrians walking along a landscaped walkway under a clear blue sky.
The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy at the University of Pennsylvania — where sustainable design meets cutting-edge science. This view highlights the building’s striking facade, blending aesthetic innovation with environmental performance, while pedestrian pathways and greenery encourage daily interaction and movement across campus.

Site and Urban Integration

The building is located on the eastern edge of the campus, replacing a former surface parking lot with a pedestrian-friendly gateway. Outdoor plazas and landscaped areas feature native plant species and natural stormwater management systems, creating a green, accessible environment that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding urban context.

The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy at UPenn at dusk, featuring its modern architecture with glowing blue-tinted windows, surrounded by trees and a quiet street with light traffic in the foreground.
As dusk settles, the Vagelos Lab glows like a beacon of innovation and sustainability. Its striking design doesn’t just look beautiful — it’s built to inspire collaboration across disciplines, all while respecting the environment and inviting the campus community in.

Facade and Sunshading

The building’s façades combine functionality with architectural expression. Triple-insulated glazing and operable windows provide comfort for occupants, with each façade oriented to optimize solar performance.
A standout feature of the design is the double-curved ETFE sunshading system, mounted on a steel frame and fully recyclable. These sunshades diffuse natural daylight deep into the interior while limiting solar heat gain, reducing cooling demands and supporting energy efficiency.

Aerial view of the Vagelos Laboratory for Energy at UPenn, showcasing its modern architecture with glass and metal paneling, surrounded by open plazas, young trees, and pedestrians enjoying a sunny day.
From above, the Vagelos Lab reveals its thoughtful blend of beauty and purpose: sleek glass and metal facades maximize natural light while minimizing energy use, and the inviting outdoor spaces encourage movement, conversation, and connection. This isn’t just a lab — it’s a living ecosystem for innovation.

Interior Organization and Collaborative Spaces

The 110,000-square-foot layout facilitates collaboration, with spaces intentionally arranged to encourage interdisciplinary interaction. It houses advanced laboratories, including optics and chemistry labs, and a nuclear magnetic resonance suite, alongside workspaces, offices, and shared meeting areas.
Double-height spaces, terraces, open staircases, and small kitchenettes promote interdisciplinary interaction, while student-focused amenities provide dedicated areas for learning and collaboration.

The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy at UPenn at sunset, featuring its distinctive facade with sculptural white sunshades, glowing interior windows, and an empty street stretching into the city under a dramatic cloudy sky.
As the sun sets, the Vagelos Lab demonstrates its functional design — the sculptural façade shades the interior, reduces solar heat gain, and supports energy efficiency. Inside, lights glow like sparks of curiosity and discovery, reminding us that innovation doesn’t wait for daylight… it thrives in every hour.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

The building emphasizes low-energy strategies and sustainable performanceThe design minimizes laboratory airflow, allows natural ventilation for a significant portion of the year, and applies radiant heating and cooling in non-lab areas. An intelligent air monitoring system adjusts ventilation based on real-time indoor conditions, optimizing energy use and ensuring a healthy indoor environment.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight


The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy presents a multi-story architectural design emphasizing sustainability and collaborative use. Images depict triple-glazed façades with double-curved ETFE sunshades, diffusing natural daylight while reducing solar heat gain, while interior spaces include open staircases, terraces, and shared zones that encourage interdisciplinary interaction. Yet, does the façade adequately reflect the surrounding urban context? While the sustainability strategies are clear, the spatial experience remains somewhat constrained in certain interior areas. Overall, the project demonstrates a thoughtful integration of sustainable design with interactive spaces that support research collaboration.

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