January 17, 2019

NBBJ gives $250,000 to UW for applied research

McConnell

Cheng

Seattle-based architecture firm NBBJ will donate $250,000 to launch a partnership with the University of Washington's College of Built Environments to help make academic research more useful for the design industry.

The applied research will seek innovative solutions to design problems, initially focusing on human health and the built environment. The UW and NBBJ said in a press release that students, faculty, external partners and the community will be involved.

COBE Dean Renee Cheng said such partnerships are essential to solving challenges in the 21st century. While the initial focus will be on human health, “we see this as a model for collaborative, complementary and applied research that this college can and will use to address the most urgent issues of our society — from finding smarter ways to deal with carbon to increasing affordable housing and addressing homelessness,” she said.

NBBJ Managing Partner Steve McConnell said the built environment is a powerful tool for change, and is inextricably linked to positive health outcomes. The partnership will work across competitive boundaries. “Our entire industry — and ultimately our clients and the community at large — will benefit from its impact,” he said.

Activities will include projects, studios, seminars, charrettes and symposia.

NBBJ is a global architecture, planning and design firm. Its work includes corporate office, health care, commercial, civic, science, education and sports facilities. Clients include Alibaba, Amazon, Boeing, Cambridge University, Cleveland Clinic, Reebok, Salk Institute, Samsung, Stanford University, Starbucks and Tishman Speyer.

NBBJ said it has spearheaded other partnerships that provide benefits beyond its walls. They include a VR startup called Visual Vocal, a fellowship program focused on neuroscience research and collaboration with Time Inc. to “hack” the future of work.