The Vagelos Education Center is a new, state-of-the-art medical and graduate education building at Columbia University Medical Center. The building, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler as executive architect, is a 100,000-square-foot, 14-story glass tower that incorporates technologically advanced classrooms, collaboration spaces, and a modern simulation center to reflect how medicine is taught, learned, and practiced in the 21st century. The design reshapes the look and feel of the medical center and creates spaces that facilitate the development of skills essential for modern medical practice. The Vagelos Education Center targets LEED Gold certification. Sustainable features include environmental assets such as fixed and operable shading to optimize the regulation of daylighting and solar gain by program area; an innovative mechanical system designed to maximize tenant comfort and minimize energy and water use within the building; green roof technologies that reduce the heat-generating effects of urban asphalt and concrete, lower building energy consumption, and recycle stormwater runoff; and the use of native plantings adapted to the area’s sun and wind conditions to minimize irrigation requirements and produce year-round texture, color, and shelter.
