NATURAL SCIENCES BUILDING, UPR
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico
A long range building program was planned for the teaching and research of the Natural Sciences on the principal campus of the University of Puerto Rico. The project was divided into three phases.











Phase I involved the Biology and Chemistry Departments. Phase II was comprised of the Physics and Mathematics Departments together will the Library. Phase III included the Research Tower.
The basic Master Plan of the building called for a design that could expand as needed in the future. Each department was located in a separate wing which could grow outward independently of the others. The laboratories were placed in corridors with controlled access while the classrooms, shared by all departments, were placed in a central spine along with the administrative offices.
Photo by Stephen & Gil Amiaga
The laboratories were designed for full utility services. In order to facilitate access to these supply pipes and conduits, special utility shafts were incorporated into the structure. These shafts are located adjacent to the corridors and penetrate the building from basement to roof top and are distinctly visible on the skyline of the structure.
Photo by Stephen & Gil Amiaga
Since the building is fully air conditioned given the delicacy of instruments and laboratory equipment, careful studies were made to shade all exterior glass in order to reduce the system sum load to a minimum.
Photo by Stephen & Gil Amiaga
Since the building is fully air conditioned given the delicacy of instruments and laboratory equipment, careful studies were made to shade all exterior glass in order to reduce the system sum load to a minimum.
Photo by Stephen & Gil Amiaga
Since the building is fully air conditioned given the delicacy of instruments and laboratory equipment, careful studies were made to shade all exterior glass in order to reduce the system sum load to a minimum.
Photo by Stephen & Gil Amiaga
Since the building is fully air conditioned given the delicacy of instruments and laboratory equipment, careful studies were made to shade all exterior glass in order to reduce the system sum load to a minimum.
Photo by Stephen & Gil Amiaga
Since the building is fully air conditioned given the delicacy of instruments and laboratory equipment, careful studies were made to shade all exterior glass in order to reduce the system sum load to a minimum.
Photo by Stephen & Gil Amiaga
Since the building is fully air conditioned given the delicacy of instruments and laboratory equipment, careful studies were made to shade all exterior glass in order to reduce the system sum load to a minimum.
Photo by Stephen & Gil Amiaga
Since the building is fully air conditioned given the delicacy of instruments and laboratory equipment, careful studies were made to shade all exterior glass in order to reduce the system sum load to a minimum.
Photo by Stephen & Gil Amiaga
