The Aquatic Ecosystems Research Laboratory is a 6,000 square meter interdisciplinary research facility that consolidates research groups from a variety of disciplines.

The building is organized around an atrium that spatially connects the four floors of the building, and helps to reinforce a sense of academic community. Social spaces are located adjacent to this space to encourage serendipitous interaction between the faculty, students, and the various research units. Faculty offices, loft spaces for the student community, and a variety of meeting spaces are located on the upper floors, and the large public rooms are located on the ground floor, where they can participate in the urban life of the campus.

The atrium also plays a key role in the sustainable design strategies employed in the building. The atrium acts as a natural ventilation stack that pulls air into the building, eliminating the need for a traditional mechanical ventilation system. During the summer, the building is naturally ventilated at the night to cool the concrete structure, which then acts as a radiant cooling surface during the day, eliminating the need for air conditioning for the three upper floors.

The atrium is glazed at the top to help bring natural light deep into the interior. This, combined with generous glazing on the north side of the building and photo sensor controls technology, minimizes dependency on electric lighting.