Helen Edwards Engineering Research Center | Perkins&Will

Fermilab, the nation’s premier particle physics laboratory, is home to groundbreaking research that advances our understanding of the universe. Spanning 6,800 acres outside of Chicago, Fermilab’s campus has long been a hub of discovery, but its researchers and engineers were historically dispersed across multiple facilities. To bring them together and support ongoing particle physics research, including the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, Fermilab established the Helen Edwards Engineering Research Center (HEERC), named for the late Dr. Helen Edwards, a particle physicist who spent more than 40 years at the lab.

Positioned northeast of the iconic Wilson Hall, HEERC is carefully integrated into the historic campus, respecting the proportions, scale, and presence of Wilson Hall while introducing contemporary architecture. A transparent bridge connects the two buildings, allowing seamless movement of equipment and supplies while reinforcing visual and physical ties between Fermilab’s past and present.

The building is designed around openness and adaptability. On the ground floor, high bay, vibration-sensitive labs provide direct access to Wilson Hall and its adjacent loading dock. Collaboration between engineers and researchers is supported through flexible “hybrid” labs and open work areas that can be configured to suit a variety of needs, whether functioning as a traditional office, electrical engineering testing spaces, or accommodating uses that have yet to be imagined. This modular approach gives Fermilab the agility to adapt as research evolves.

Acoustic performance was a critical component in creating an environment conducive to collaboration. The design incorporates sound-absorbing finishes, carefully selected furnishings, double-glazed office fronts, and mechanical system attenuation to maintain quiet, open spaces while still supporting complex technical activity.

HEERC places science on display, including two noteworthy spaces: The Argon Cube, which houses a 15,000-gallon vat of liquid argon, and a multi-function Quantum Science Center. Both demonstrate how design can elevate the visibility of science, making complex research

The Helen Edwards Engineering Research Center represents more than just a new building, it embodies Fermilab’s commitment to uniting people, advancing discovery, and preparing for the future of particle physics. By thoughtfully integrating with its historic setting while providing flexible, collaborative, and highly specialized spaces, HEERC ensures Fermilab remains at the forefront of scientific innovation for decades to come.

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