The Caltech Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies is a unique research laboratory crafted for its lead researcher, the Director of the Graduate Aerospace Laboratories. Primarily interested in various topics in conventional fluid dynamics and aeronautics, the Director is initiating a novel research laboratory to develop and test autonomous systems that operate on land, in the air and underwater. The need to create an architecture that enables each of those environments to be accommodated presented an interesting opportunity.
The project involved the renovation of a 1940’s era historic structure on the main campus of Caltech. The central courtyard was enclosed as an open-air drone flight arena with an observation platform. An exterior wind tunnel, the first of it’s kind and size will allow for the dynamic testing and analysis of autonomous drones.
The program includes conference space, an assembly laboratory, the drone flight arena and various observation rooms and platforms. The project included design of the interior, exterior stair, observation platform and custom perforated gate, graphics and donor signage.
Location | Pasadena, CA, USA
Date | 2017
Role | Lead Designer (while employed at CO Architects)
Program | Laboratory, Outdoor Drone Testing Area (6,500 square feet)
Date | 2017
Role | Lead Designer (while employed at CO Architects)
Program | Laboratory, Outdoor Drone Testing Area (6,500 square feet)
Photo Credit: CO Architects
Photo Credit: CO Architects
Photo Credit: Mario Cipresso
Photo Credit: CO Architects
Photo Credit: CO Architects
Photo Credit: CO Architects
Photo Credit: CO Architects
Construction of Tensile Fabric Courtyard Roof
