University of Maryland Global Campus Biomedical Sciences & Engineering Education Building

Project Description

Part of the University of Maryland’s Global Campus, the Universities at Shady Grove offers programs from a consortium of nine public universities on one campus. When the University sought to design a new Biosciences and Engineering Building at Shady Grove, they envisioned a space that would meet the needs of the region’s projected workforce, particularly in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medical sciences, while also demonstrating leadership in sustainability. As a key member of an integrated design team led by Cooper Carry, Biohabitats is helping to bring this vision to life.

Focusing on the water and ecology considerations, Biohabitats began by conducting a review of the site’s ecology, stormwater, and water systems needs and opportunities to inform an integrated design charrette with team members and University representatives. As part of the “Deep Green” sustainable design team, and applying a ‘whole systems ecology and water management’ approach, Biohabitats developed a site water balance and explored strategies to reduce potable water demand, and integrate. In addition to delineating wetland and characterizing soils, surface water and topographic features associated with the design of boardwalk access into the building, Biohabitats reviewed building and boardwalk footprint concepts, evaluated potential environmental impacts, and worked with the team to minimize ground disturbance, limit impacts to wetlands and waters, and provide continuous canopy for the site’s forested wetlands, and limit impacts to wetlands.