SDI Structures served as the engineer of record for Michigan State University’s Bioengineering Facility, a 130,000-square-foot research building designed to bring multiple engineering and life-science disciplines under one roof. The project required a structural approach capable of supporting a wide range of specialized program needs—from vibration-sensitive instrumentation and high-intensity lab environments to highly flexible research spaces that can be reconfigured over time. SDI worked closely with the design architect and university team to develop a structural system that supports the building’s large curtainwall openings, multi-story atrium, and collaborative zones without sacrificing performance or adaptability.
A key focus of SDI’s work was creating a framework that accommodates both the building’s architectural expression and its demanding technical requirements. Long-span elements were introduced to maintain open lab planning, while robust floor systems ensured the stability needed for precision research. The structure also integrates seamlessly with the facility’s mechanical and energy-efficient systems, helping MSU meet high environmental standards. The final engineering solution provides a resilient, flexible, and visually coherent backbone for one of the university’s most advanced research facilities.
Owner
Michigan State University
Contractor
Clark Construction
Architect
Integrated Design Solutions, Troy, MI
Square Footage
130,000
Year Completed
2015
Cost
$68,000,000