School of Engineering & Applied Sciences

Philadelphia, PA

The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences expanded its research facilities with the interior fit-out of the tenth floor at One uCity Square, located within Philadelphia’s growing innovation district. O Z Collaborative partnered with ZGF to complete the 26,764-square-foot research environment, designed to support collaborative engineering research and provide flexible laboratory space for multiple user groups.

The laboratories are organized into a series of research “neighborhoods,” each containing a large open laboratory supported by specialized research rooms and technical support spaces. This layout allows research groups to share equipment and resources while maintaining the flexibility required for evolving research programs. Write-up spaces and offices are located along the building’s perimeter to take advantage of natural daylight provided by the curtain wall. These spaces support data analysis, documentation, and collaboration while maintaining visual connection to the laboratory environment.

Breakout rooms and small huddle spaces along the perimeter provide areas for meetings and focused team discussions. Private offices offer quiet workspace for faculty and research leaders. Shared amenities are located near the floor’s reception area, including a divisible conference room that accommodates larger meetings and presentations. A lounge and pantry provide informal gathering spaces that encourage interaction among research groups. The completed project provides the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences with a flexible laboratory environment designed to support interdisciplinary engineering research within the One uCity Square innovation district.

Photographed by Halking Mason

University of Pennsylvania

< Higher Education

Modern conference room with green walls, oval white table, and gray rounded chairs. Large windows with city view, decorative circular ceiling light, and a wall-mounted screen displaying 'Penn Engineering' logo.
Empty laboratory with white workbenches, chairs, and shelves, and a person working at the far end, with a large window in the background.
Modern office room with glass enclosed meeting space, large windows showing cityscape, and people sitting and working.
Modern office space with a glass-walled hallway and a private meeting room with large windows, wooden desks, chairs, and potted plants.
A modern conference room with a wooden table and six gray chairs with wheel casters, positioned near large windows showing a city view, with a wall-mounted television displaying the Penn Engineering logo.
Modern office space with a glass enclosed meeting room featuring purple walls and interior furnishings, with a view of the cityscape outside.
Modern office space with a kitchenette area, large windows with city view, people working and sitting, and glass pods for private work.
A conference room with a long wooden table, surrounded by nine light gray office chairs on wheels. A large digital display screen on the wall shows the Penn Engineering logo from the University of Pennsylvania. The room has gray walls, a blue carpet,
Modern conference room with a U-shaped wooden table, gray chairs, two large screens displaying 'Penn Engineering' logo, blue carpet, and ceiling with linear lights.
A modern conference room with wooden flooring, black chairs, and rectangular tables. Large windows offer a cityscape view. There is a glass-walled office and a TV screen with the Penn Engineering logo.
People working and talking in a modern, bright office with large windows, city view, and some on laptops.
A scientist working in a laboratory with various scientific equipment and supplies, with large windows showing a city skyline in the background.
Medical sterilization room with a blue wall, wooden cabinets, a sink, and safety equipment including a fire extinguisher and safety signs.
Interior view of the Penn Engineering building at the University of Pennsylvania, showing a reception desk with a staff member assisting a visitor, a seating area with people, and large windows with a city view.