In the construction of the new UAB Altec Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building along 19th Street and 7th Avenue South, our team at Williams Blackstock Architects has integrated a unique design feature to address bird safety, responding to a growing concern in urban design. At the request of the UAB, known for its commitment to sustainability, we have incorporated etched glass with a bird protection frit into the building's 6-story curtainwall, which spans nearly 50,000 square feet. This initiative aligns with UAB's goal to achieve LEED Silver certification for the project and reflects a broader vision for a sustainable campus.
The bird protection frit is notable for its application in a campus setting, marking a first for UAB at this scale. It consists of acid-etched dots on the exterior glass surface, designed to make the glass visible to birds to prevent collisions, while maintaining the clarity and aesthetic appeal for humans inside. This measure is a part of our effort to create safer, more sustainable buildings that consider the impact on all inhabitants of the area, including wildlife.
While the primary focus has been on the bird frit, we've also explored additional design elements that contribute to the building's sustainability and aesthetic value, such as a ceramic dot pattern inside the glass that offers both shading and a visual connection to the science conducted within the building.
Integrating these features required careful planning and a commitment to maintaining the project within budget, a challenge met through collaboration with UAB's leadership and sustainability group. Their support has been crucial in realizing these sustainability features.
This project serves as a potential model for future construction, not just on the UAB campus but elsewhere, demonstrating that environmental considerations can be effectively integrated into the design process. Furthermore, it opens the door to retrofitting existing buildings with similar sustainable features, extending the impact beyond new construction.
As we look to future projects, including the UAB Biomedical and Psychology Research Building that will be under construction soon, we are encouraged by the possibilities of incorporating sustainable design elements from the outset, fostering a healthier coexistence between urban spaces and the natural environment.
