Oregon Health & Science University Biomedical Research Building
Portland, OR
The Biomedical Research Building was designed to serve as the new front door of research at OHSU. Brick was chosen to connect this modern building to the older structures in place. Brick is the predominant material on the OHSU Marquam Hill Campus, and has been used in several color combinations over the years. To achieve a timeless look with respect to its surroundings, the design team chose a brick color that is a local blend of original campus color, a Mediterranean color, and a modified granite color. The bold masonry forms and crisp detailing, combined with the curtain wall and metal panels, give the building a very modern appearance with dramatic views of the city below. Because of the building’s height and the dramatic slope of the site, the Norman-sized brick were laid up using hydro-mobile scaffolding. The completed building has become a LEED-silver certified landmark on campus that bridges advanced research with patient care.