Emory University in Atlanta is one of the leading research universities in the USA and is renowned for academic excellence with a national and international reputation. Its alumni include influential figures from the worlds of politics, science and society, whose impact extends far beyond the campus.
With the Health Sciences Research Building II, the campus is expanding its research landscape with a highly connected workspace. Designed by the architects at HOK Group, Inc., the building’s light-filled, contemporary spatial layout reflects the university’s high scientific standards and effortlessly fosters interaction and dialogue. The multi-storey foyer is characterised by gently curved lines of light that interweave walls, ceilings and pathways. This geometry creates a sense of calm movement within the space and lends the architecture an almost organic lightness.
Liquid Line opens up expanded creative scope for architecture. The recessed luminaires follow the free-flowing lines of the foyer to create a lighting pattern that lends it additional depth. Even within complex spatial configurations, the lighting effect remains calm and consistent, allowing the form to come into its own undisturbed.
With the Health Sciences Research Building II, Emory University is sending a clear signal for sustainable research architecture: The building has been honoured with awards including ‘SEFA Lab of the Year 2025’ and the ‘I2SL Sustainable Laboratory Award’, and has achieved LEED Gold certification for its high energy efficiency. Furthermore, the project demonstrates how sophisticated laboratory infrastructure and resource-efficient planning can be consistently combined.
