Columbia University Medical Center

The Columbia University Medical Center is a state-of-the-art medical and graduate education building that reflects how medicine is taught, learned, and practiced in the 21st century. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler as the executive architect, this 14-story glass tower interweaves technologically advanced classrooms, collaboration spaces, and a modern simulation center.

The building’s structural spine is a site-formed reinforced concrete vertical core, which provides shear capacity. In the cascade, there are reinforced architectural concrete columns with embedded steel-up girders. Post-tensioned, reinforced concrete slabs with embedded structural steel and Cobiax void formers enable the long spans and cantilevers of the south facade.

The building was awarded LEED Gold for sustainable construction. Environmental technology such as fixed and operable shading optimizes the regulation of daylight and sunlight and an innovative mechanical system that maximizes comfort, while at the same time reducing the energy and water consumption in the building. Green roof technologies reduce the heat-generating effects of urban asphalt and concrete, decrease building energy consumption, and recycle stormwater runoff. Native plantings adapted to the area’s sun and wind conditions minimize irrigation requirements and produce year-round texture, color, and shelter. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.