Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics

For almost 100 years, Caltech has been at the forefront of astronomy and astrophysics, pioneering research that has led to greater understanding of the earth, the solar system, and the universe. The new Cahill Center is designed encourage interaction between its users. It is to be composed of five floors, two of them underground. The building will contain space for offices, laboratories, remote observing rooms, conference rooms, a library, an auditorium, and classrooms. The skin appears fractured, as if struck by an earthquake. Large panels, appear to slide apart from adjacent panels, revealing the building behind. This look, however, is a sophisticated design meant to cool the building by allowing air to filter into the skin. It is expected to achieve LEED Gold certification once it is completed in spring in 2009.