Tucson Standard

The University of Arizona's newest addition, the Environment & Natural Resources Phase 2 (ENR2) building, will be officially introduced to the public on September 10. The event is free and open to everyone. This building aims to set a new standard for sustainability on campus.

Senior architect May Carr described ENR2 as a "forward-focused, people-centered building" that uses design elements inspired by the desert environment. She explained that the slot canyon concept was central to many design decisions, making it more than just a functional space.

"The strength of the concept permeates many of the design decisions," Carr said. She noted other examples at UA like the Meinel Optical Sciences Building and Helen S. Schaefer Building, which also draw inspiration from unique concepts.

Spanning nearly 151,000 square feet, ENR2 symbolizes UA's commitment to sustainable construction and interdisciplinary collaboration. "The University has a reputation for doing great design," Carr stated. "ENR2 is special because it really showcases the University."

UA President Ann Weaver Hart and Provost Andrew Comrie will make brief remarks at the dedication event. The building's design team included GLHN Architects & Engineers and Richard+Bauer Architecture, with Hensel Phelps Construction Co. serving as contractor.

Peter Dourlein, assistant vice president of Planning, Design and Construction at UA, called ENR2 "highly inspirational." He emphasized that buildings should inspire beyond their functional roles.

Some notable features of ENR2 include a courtyard modeled after a slot canyon for temperature control, an energy-efficient heating and cooling system projected to reduce energy use by 30%, water-saving fixtures, natural lighting with vacancy sensors, durable materials like unfinished metal fins for shading, exposed concrete walls built for longevity, a water harvesting system for irrigation using rainwater runoff, and landscape beds on each level.

Carr mentioned that they aimed for materials to serve multiple purposes within ENR2: "Most of the building functions like an old adobe house." The roof is planned as a future learning laboratory with gardens.

The building houses several academic units including the Institute of the Environment and parts of other departments such as Mathematics. It encourages interaction by having different departments share spaces across floors.

For Carr, who has worked on various projects at UA since earning her architecture degree there in 1976, ENR2 represents an inspirational achievement in architectural design.

The dedication event will include self-guided tours and light refreshments after speeches from university leaders including Kimberly Andrews Espy.