The exposed structure of the BLAST Laboratory supports research, fabrication, and display of a highly sensitive telescope.
The high bay laboratory is home to the Balloon-borne Large Aperture Sub-millimeter Telescope (BLAST), a highly sensitive telescope helping University of Pennsylvania astronomers and international researchers study stars and galaxies. Astronomers assemble the telescope before each mission, and the 1,200-sf laboratory aids in this work. The 42-foot high space includes an architecturally exposed steel structure, and a crane beam that spans from the interior of the lab to the exterior through 35-foot high motorized glass barn doors. The beam and doors allow the telescope to move outdoors for calibration with the sky. Keast & Hood designed the structural steel braced-frame to prevent torsional movements when the crane is active and to accommodate the weight of the suspended telescope.
The project was recognized as an Outstanding Design in the 2013 American School & University magazine Architectural Portfolio
The exposed structure of the BLAST Laboratory supports research, fabrication, and display of a highly sensitive telescope.
The high bay laboratory is home to the Balloon-borne Large Aperture Sub-millimeter Telescope (BLAST), a highly sensitive telescope helping University of Pennsylvania astronomers and international researchers study stars and galaxies. Astronomers assemble the telescope before each mission, and the 1,200-sf laboratory aids in this work. The 42-foot high space includes an architecturally exposed steel structure, and a crane beam that spans from the interior of the lab to the exterior through 35-foot high motorized glass barn doors. The beam and doors allow the telescope to move outdoors for calibration with the sky. Keast & Hood designed the structural steel braced-frame to prevent torsional movements when the crane is active and to accommodate the weight of the suspended telescope.
The project was recognized as an Outstanding Design in the 2013 American School & University magazine Architectural Portfolio
CLIENT: Buell Kratzer Powell
LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA
TYPE: Academic, Laboratory, Special, SERVICES: New Construction, MATERIALS: Steel, SUSTAINABILITY: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Completed project photography © Jeffrey Totaro
