The Richards Medical Research Laboratory is an important building by Louis I. Kahn, one of the greatest architects of the 20th century. AOS Architects recently completed a renovation to medical research space on six floors in multiple towers of the Richards and connecting Goddard buildings.

The design of Richards, while groundbreaking, never fully served the original laboratory program to its best advantage. The University of Pennsylvania embarked on an ambitious restoration and renovation project for the buildings that included replacing the exterior glazing and mechanical/electrical systems, establishing design and preservation standards for interior renovations, and significantly reducing energy usage in the buildings.

Closely following preservation guidelines, AOS adapted research spaces for five individual user groups, each with specific spatial needs and technology requirements. The renovation removed layers of existing finishes to express and feature the building’s original concrete truss construction, and all new mechanical and electrical systems were carefully integrated to respect Kahn’s original design. Phase 2 of the project received LEED CI Silver certification, and Phase 3 received LEED CI Gold certification.