The newly developed Energy Research Center focuses on academic teaching and research activities on alternative energy generation and storage. The center’s mission is to develop energy efficient and environmentally sustainable technologies and practices and to educate the public about energy issues. The mission also includes improving the nation’s energy security by developing local and sustainable energy resources and policies that have a positive environmental impact. The center is part of the university’s A. James Clark School of Engineering and hosts faculty from the Engineering School and from affiliated colleges.

Under a long-term IDIQ Contract with the University, MCA provided full architectural services for the modernization of the ca. 1947 Engineering Laboratory Building. The scope of work, executed successfully under a modest budget, included the complete renovation of 6500 SF of existing interior laboratories into UMCP’s new Energy Research Center (ERC). Building improvements included replacement of the extensive original curtain wall along the entire length of the north side of the building, new building entrances, a new entry stair, and new high bay access for the existing “large project” bay. Additionally, the mechanical exhaust system for the Constellation University Institutes Project Combustion Lab and the CHP and Heat Transfer Laboratory for the Center for Environmental Energy Engineering were renovated. Site work consisted of new landscaping and brick-paved courtyards at the new main entrance.

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Contact Alan Bowman, AIA, LEED AP at abowman@mca.design