JonesDBR joined with PBK Architects and Austin Commercial for the design of The University of Houston Clear Lake Health Sciences and Classroom Building in Pearland, Texas that will allow for the expansion of programs in nursing and other health care careers. The completion of this project was the result of close cooperation between UHCL and the city of Pearland and the tireless support of local and state legislators.
The Health Sciences and Classroom Building is an aesthetically appealing, energy-saving, and environmentally responsible multi-story academic building, approximately 52,000 gsf in size, which houses UHCL Pearland’s health-science programs, specifically the RN-to-BSN and Licensed Professional Counselors programs, as well as a satellite office for UHCL’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. The expansion of UHCL and the construction of the new Health Sciences and Classrooms Building on the Pearland Campus will allow for more opportunities for the university to collaborate with the community.
The first phase of the project began with the classroom and administration building which is primarily being used by University of Houston System students, as well as the community and local government. The facility includes a new student services department, 100-seat tiered lecture hall, multiple flex-space classrooms, a student lounge and gathering area, biology and chemistry labs, a nursing services and healthcare teaching laboratory, and administrative offices.
JonesDBR provided MEP engineering and Technology services and our team was challenged to design the entire campus infrastructure to support the new building as well as future expansion. The key design features consisted of a new, energy efficient air-cooled central plant and a main data room to support the new campus. Additionally, a generator back-up was provided for the computer and life safety systems. Our team also achieved zoned systems to allow the University to utilize portions of the building simultaneously to the Pearland Economic Development Council with ease and comfort.
The Security & Technology design scope includes video surveillance, data cabling, distributed antenna systems for emergency notification, access control, telecommunications room layouts and design, and lecture hall audio/visual systems.