Distinguished for its differential architecture, the new ISTB 4 will be used to undertake complex and cutting-edge research. The new research building is a seven-storey facility that has a total area of 298,000 square feet. The facility is the largest single research facility on the campus.
The ISTB 4 serves as the new home for the School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE), and also houses 166 labs consisting of highly specialised labs for space and earth geological research, and 60 faculty offices.
The new research block will offer flexible laboratories and adjoining workspace for the SESE and the IRA A, and will facilitate multi-institutional ventures. The ground floor of the building will accommodate a 239-seat auditorium and gallery that serves as a classroom space, as well as an outreach function space for both, K-12 educational programs and public events.
The building has a light filled, five-storey central atrium, which serves as the spine for the entire building and establishes a connection between labs and offices. The atrium features comfortable and strategically placed collaboration areas, such as the Idea Exchange, which is the intellectual living room of this social centre located at the floor of the atrium.
The new facility provides highly efficient, adaptable environments that can be adapted for a variety of functions in future. It features several sustainable elements, which comprises energy efficiency. The building will consume almost 50% of the energy typically required by any comparable facility. The college is aspiring for LEED Gold certification for the new ISTB 4.
