UC Santa Cruz Physical Sciences Building

About This Project

Location: Physical Sciences Building,Santa Cruz, California

Architects: Executive Architect: Anshen + Allen, Design Architect: Moore Ruble Yudell

Contractor: Devcon Construction

Project Description: The 132,000 square foot Physical Sciences Building provides laboratory and classroom space for the Chemistry, Environmental Toxicology, and School of Engineering programs on the UCSC campus. Initial agency review for project approvals included the Regents of the University of California, the California State Public Works Board, the Division of the State Architect, and the California State Fire Marshal.

Special Features and Challenges: The building contains 50 highly specialized laboratories customized around specific research needs, including trace metal laboratories, flammable storage, controlled environment rooms, darkrooms, and laser laboratories. The main circulation core contains a four-story atrium with a special smoke evacuation system.

Nova Partners’ Role: Prior to the involvement of Nova Partners, the project experienced extensive delays and disputes, which ultimately led to the termination of the contract by the original general contractor. Nova was engaged by UCSC to assist in bringing this troubled project toward completion. Understanding the timeline for building occupancy and maintaining sensitivity to complex project circumstances, Nova provided key services, including evaluation of work-in-place, detailed completion estimates, scheduling, and coordination of work to complete the project. In addition, Nova provided critical project management services, including managing subcontractor relations, document control, analysis of disputed technical issues, and advising on the University’s response to investigations by the performance bond surety. Nova remained involved through the ultimate successful completion of the project.

 

Category
Education, Institutional