Cornell University Upson Hall Renovation by Perkins&Will represents a comprehensive transformation of the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering facility, demonstrating how mid-century academic buildings can be renovated to achieve world-class sustainability performance while preserving institutional character and enhancing research capabilities.

Sustainability Consulting Role: Led sustainability strategy for comprehensive renovation of mechanical and aerospace engineering facility, addressing complex environmental design challenges including building envelope optimization, daylighting performance, and energy efficiency improvements. Coordinated advanced building performance modeling to balance deep retrofit requirements with academic program needs. (Work performed while at Thornton Tomasetti)

Climate-Positive Solutions Delivered:

• Complete building re-skin with high-performance envelope achieving R-26 thermal performance

• Advanced daylighting optimization achieving 75% daylight autonomy with 22-inch wall depth

• Comprehensive mechanical systems upgrade for laboratory and research facility requirements

• High-performance glazing systems optimized for research facility daylighting needs

• Energy recovery ventilation systems for superior indoor air quality in laboratory environments

• Smart building controls integrating lighting, HVAC, and laboratory equipment management

Performance Outcomes:

• LEED Platinum certification achieved

• 50%+ energy savings compared to pre-renovation baseline

• 75% daylight autonomy achieved with optimized 22-inch wall depth design

• R-26 thermal performance through comprehensive envelope upgrade

• Enhanced research facility performance with improved environmental controls

• Model for sustainable renovation of mid-century academic engineering facilities