University of Virginia Data Science

Location

Charlottesville, VA

General Contractor

Gilbane

Scope

Contract: $4,036,186

Size: 60,261

Photo Credit | Tyler Smith, PM Design Electric Inc. 

Note | SoSo Limited & Hypersonic designed and installed the Data Sculpture

Overview

The University of Virginia’s School of Data Science constructed a dedicated building for the University’s newly formed school. This ground-up project featured 4 floors + MEP Penthouse of space for classrooms, offices, working areas, and gathering spaces for students and educators. Items of interest include: Capital One HUB featuring a 2-story video screen, Custom “Data Sculpture” in 2-story atrium, Open Hardware Lab for student research, Custom lighting package for interior and exterior lighting, Exterior patio and stepped pond with custom accent lighting, Smoke exhaust fan system integrated with FA package, ~500 LF feed generator tie-in under formed creek.

Goals

The purpose of the building is to provide a collaborative space for new UVA Data Science students to work and learn. The design team’s motto for the project was “A school without walls” as envisioned by the director of the Data Science Institute Phil Bourne. The building is to be open for all UVA students and community alike. With students enrolled in summer courses, the overall project goal was to have the building ready and accessible for the public for summer sessions.

Project Scope

Design held the electrical and fire alarm package for the building, including office space for 100+ staff, conference spaces, student work areas, classroom space for 340 students, collaboration areas, and other areas supporting the facility. The scope also included integration of an existing generator with (3) ATS devices and a robust smoke exhaust system. Completion of the building for summer students required coordination and creativity from the field team to achieve the desired goals. Design’s input was critical to achieving a complete system on the timeline requested.

Project Outcomes

Getting the School of Data science building constructed on the project timeline to achieve an open building for the public required significant planning and manpower. Design was able to achieve scheduled completion through planning of prioritized items to maintain critical path. Combining the assistance on design process, resource planning, and a robust working crew, Design was able to move past significant barriers that threatened the project schedule. DEI’s resource capacity allowed us to be successful with critical path completion.

University of Virginia Chemistry & Gilmer

Location

Charlottesville, VA

General Contractor

Whiting Turner

Scope

Contract: $10,451,565

Photo Credit | Perkins & Will Photography 

Overview

Design Electric undertook a comprehensive service upgrade for the Chemistry and Gilmer Hall buildings, spanning six years. This project involved upgrading the electrical systems across both buildings—each with four floors and a top-floor mechanical room. The challenge was to ensure that the buildings remained fully operational while integrating the new electrical services. Careful planning and precise execution were crucial, as the buildings were fully occupied, and only specific sections could be handed over for upgrades at a time. The project focused on modernizing the electrical systems in the laboratories, aligning them with the latest research requirements.

Quality Control

Design Electric’s quality control manager played a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy of the work. He meticulously double-checked drawings, particularly for the complex lighting systems and controls. His attention to detail ensured that everything functioned correctly before the lighting controls representative was brought on-site.

Project Scheduling

Thorough planning and detailed scheduling were essential to the project’s success. The team had to carefully map out each phase of the work, ensuring that every step was well-thought-out and executed without impacting the building’s operations.

Project Goals

The primary objective was to bring the electrical services and laboratories up to the latest standards, supporting cutting-edge research and allowing for future growth. Working in a live environment posed unique challenges, requiring Design Electric to anticipate and address unforeseen issues while maintaining the building’s operational integrity.

Collaboration

The key goals were to complete the project on time and within budget. Design Electric’s commitment to collaboration ensured a successful partnership, underpinned by a strong working relationship.

Safety Protocols

Safety was crucial, particularly because the building needed to remain fully operational. Working on live electrical systems required meticulous scheduling and coordination with the University, especially during ongoing classes or critical experiments that could not be disrupted.