BJC Institute of Health
The 680,000 square-foot BJC Institute of Health (BJCIH) at Washington University School of Medicine is an 11-story research building housing laboratories and support facilities for BioMed 21, Washington University’s research initiative to rapidly translate basic research findings into advances in medical treatment. The $235 million building, supported by a $30 million naming gift from BJC HealthCare, opened in December 2009. It is Washington University’s largest building.
Designed and built to be environmentally sustainable, the building attained Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Sustainable construction processes and building features include a pollution prevention plan, water-efficient landscaping, an optimized energy performance plan, use of recycled and local building materials, use of low-emitting materials, increased ventilation and outdoor air delivery monitoring.
In addition, the School of Medicine’s Center for Women’s Reproductive Sciences, Division of Pediatric Surgery and Department of Pathology and Immunology occupy the building, which includes shell space for future development.
The building eventually will house Barnes-Jewish Hospital support functions, including dietary offices, laboratories and clinical pharmacies.
World-renowned artist Maya Lin, best known for designing the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington, D.C., designed the plaza’s landscape and water feature, in partnership with Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates Inc. of Boston.
Creation of the plaza was made possible by a naming gift from Robert G. and Ellen Clark, longtime donors and friends of Washington University. Clark is chairman and chief executive of St. Louis-based Clayco Construction Co., one of the nation’s largest design-builders. The Ellen S. Clark Hope Plaza is named for Ellen Clark, who passed away March 16, 2010.