Space Institute
Texas A&M University
Location: Houston, TX
Size: 417,000 GSF
Delivery Method: Design-Build
Construction Type: New Construction
Challenge
Leaders of Texas A&M University’s newly established Space Institute envisioned a first-of-its-kind research and training facility where public and private sector aerospace industry partners could collaborate on research, workforce training, technology development, and testing of applications. Because the facility would serve a diverse group of stakeholders, establishing clear program requirements and operational expectations was critical.
Solution
We led an extensive programming and stakeholder engagement process to define the facility’s operational, technical, and educational requirements. The resulting four-story building features two highly specialized environments: enclosed gravel scapes with lighting, colors, and materials designed to simulate surface conditions of the Moon and Mars. Each scape holds 16,000 cubic yards of gravel and is the size of a collegiate football stadium. A central spine between the scapes features research garages, meeting rooms, project rooms, and a machine shop for research and development of vehicles, habitats, and other equipment bound for outer space. The new Space Institute building positions Texas as a leader in space exploration and aerospace innovation.
