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Kentucky Lions Eye Research Institute Louisville, Kentucky Client: University of Louisville 301 E. Muhammad Ali Blvd. Louisville, Kentucky 40202-1594 Contact: Thom Zimmerman, M.D., Ph.D. 502.852.5477 Construction Cost: $4,575,000.00 Square Feet: 32,000 Completion: May 1997 The addition and renovation of the University of Louisville's Kentucky Lions Eye Research Institute significantly doubles the capabilities for clinical medical services and academic ophthalmalgic research. The clinical portion includes 15 ophthalmology exam lane rooms, laser surgery rooms, diagnostic exam rooms, clinical support development rooms and expanded patient waiting and support areas. The research facility includes ten laboratories with research/storage and administrative support areas. A four-story atrium serves as a lobby, linking the three-story addition to the existing structure. The Kentucky Lions Eye Research Institute is designed as a separate structure connected to the original by a glass atrium. The prominence of the site, at the edge of the main thoroughfare of the Medical Center, was a main consideration during design. The existing building was already a local landmark and great consideration was required to enhance the marriage of the two structures. To that end, the connection was designed to simultaneously join and separate the two edifices as the main entrance and plaza, and atrium. The three story atrium provides a new front door to the combined building and makes an Architectural statement on a highly visible corner in the University Medical Center. Allowing pedestrian entrance to both the old and new building, the atrium joins the two as gathering space with connecting bridges and ramps on the second and third floors. The distinctive glazing and configuration of the new Atrium lends itself as a new focal point for the Institute and the University. The second and third floors are designed to house five laboratories on each floor. The laboratories are separated from the administrative areas by a large corridor with views of light at each end. The size of the corridors and the ancillary spaces serve as streets or interior plazas to promote interaction of the researchers. The laboratories are full glass on the west, protected by the sun with a Brise’ soleil and tinted gold glazing.