University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
IN-4: Innovation 4

The new Bell Tower Development is a mixed-use and innovative space situated in the center of campus. As a link between north and south, east and west, the development sits at a critical junction. Emphasis on holistic and integrated planning and construction resulted in an inviting, high performance, and resource-efficient space. Constructed on a former 6-acre surface parking lot, the Bell Tower Development includes the Genome Sciences Building, a multi-story parking deck, and a multipurpose, landscaped amphitheater. The project exemplifies many of the guiding principles of the Campus Master Plan.

The new development lies on the border between the College of Arts and Sciences and the five health affairs schools, where basic research meets clinical applications. Researchers from departments as diverse as biology, chemistry, computer science and statistics interact with each other, as well as colleagues from the schools of medicine, pharmacy, and public health in the Genome Sciences building.

The new 210,000 square foot Genome Sciences Building consists of office and classroom spaces and research facilities, including greenhouses. The LEED Gold building features a green roof, high-performance glazing, integrated shading devices, and active chilled beams. A cafe in the lobby of the building serves Fair Trade coffee
and looks out over a newly created landscaped amphitheater.

Rainwater collected from the roof of the Genome Sciences Building drains to a 350,000 gallon, stone-filled cistern beneath the Bell Tower Amphitheater. Following UV treatment and chlorination, the rainwater is used to flush 1000 toilets in the Genome Sciences Building and Kenan Stadium. When rainwater is insufficient, reclaimed wastewater from the local water utility provides a non-potable backup. Concrete vaults detain ground-level stormwater. Short-term storage reduces downstream erosion, flooding, and pollutant loading.

The Bell Tower Parking Deck uses solar photovoltaic panels, funded by the student green energy fee, to light the stairwells. Deck lighting is provided by LEDs.

The Genome Sciences Building is LEED Gold certified and:
- uses 72% less potable water than standard buildings of comparable size.
- is the first campus building to use chilled beams to provide cooling independent of the ventilation system.
- 90% of on-site generated construction was was recycled.
- at least 50% of the wood used is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

The landscaped amphitheater/central park provides a new green gathering space in the center of campus. It's the new home for Tar Heel Town activities help prior to football games in the adjacent Kenan Stadium.

Operating costs for the parking deck are so low that lighting retrofits are planned in parking decks across campus.