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Scott Hall brings together several intersecting departments and research labs in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. It is located near four other CMU buildings dedicated to STEM research, physically connecting researchers in these areas. 

The physical landscape surrounding Scott Hall – including a steep hillside, campus utilities, a service road and a freight rail line – was a challenge to the project architects, but inspired its unique design, with above- and below-ground wings and distinctive sloped columns underneath the building for support. Architects Isaac Campbell and Michelle LaFoe wrote about this innovative design of Scott Hall in the book Form and Dichroic Light. 

The building’s exterior design features a green roof atop its Bertucci Nanotechnology Wing. This 35,000-square-foot space extends the natural landscape from the nearby open green space known as “the Mall” and creates a new interconnected, pedestrian-friendly area on campus. Use of locally sourced materials and water-efficient landscaping further contribute to Scott Hall’s sustainability.

Scott Hall’s efficiency in reducing energy consumption was a key factor in its LEED Gold certification. On the exterior, sunshades allow natural light in while reducing the need for air conditioning on hot days. These sunshades were made from highly reflective dichroic glass, a material born from nanotechnology, further reducing the heat coming into the building while displaying a rainbow of colors as the sun moves throughout the day. Additional exterior facade elements were designed using solar studies, thermal comfort analysis and energy modeling. 

Looking inside, Scott Hall’s architects were focused on accommodating the building’s projected high energy use. Over half of the building’s power consumption supports its wet labs and nanotechnology research facilities. For these high-use spaces, the architects relied on high-performance mechanical systems, as well as management and occupancy controls. Overall, the cleanroom is three times more efficient than a typical lab space. Scott Hall’s design is also future proof, allowing for system modification as research needs adapt and change.

Team Members

Campus Design and Facility Development worked with the following organizations to complete the project: 

Office 52, Portland, OR - Architect of Record
Stantec, Pittsburgh, PA - Interior Designer, Civil Engineer, Landscape Architect
ARUP USA, INC. - MEP, Fire Protection, Structural, Vibration & Acoustical Engineering
Jacobs Consultancy, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA - Lab Planning & Cleanroom Consultant
CJL Engineering, Pittsburgh, PA - Commissioning Agent
Jendoco Construction Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA - Construction Manager
Performance Contracting - Cleanroom Contractor
Viatech Electromagnetics, Fredericksburg, VA - Shielding / EMI Consultant & Contractor