Photograph by Marguerite Miller

The Stephen A. Levin Building at the University of Pennsylvania has received the Gold/Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects–Potomac Valley.

The six-story Levin Building includes research laboratories, teaching facilities and space for students to collaborate and study. The building, which houses the departments of psychology, biology and behavioral sciences, is located at 425 South University Avenue, between the Leidy Labs at 3740 Hamilton Walk and the Carolyn Lynch Labs at 433 South University Avenue. It was part of the Penn Arts and Sciences’ life sciences expansion project.

The building’s design team was led by SmithGroupJJR and its construction manager was P. Agnes Inc.

The ornate aluminum sunscreen on the south façade is designed to convey the branching and network structures found at all scales of biology and to resonate in psychological, linguistic and cognitive models. It also is expected to offer a minimal 50% reduction of solar heat gain during summer months. The project is targeting a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating or higher.