The University of Oregon has selected Oregon-based ZGF Architects for programming and concept design services for the next phase of the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact.

Phase two is made possible by a recently announced second $500 million gift from Penny and Phil Knight for the campus bearing their names. The gift enables the UO to further expand strengths in bioengineering and applied scientific research and training. The gift will create new opportunities for additional students, add faculty positions and fund a second building.

Launched in 2016 with the first $500 million gift from the Knights, the campus embodies a new paradigm for scientific inquiry that accelerates the cycle of translating scientific discoveries into solutions that create societal impact. 

The selection of ZGF was made as part of a public bidding process, with finalists making presentations to the UO Building User Group, Knight Campus leadership and UO Campus Planning Committee members.

“ZGF’s proposal integrated well with the award-winning design of the 170,000 square foot first building and added a fresh new perspective for our future,” said Robert Guldberg, vice president and Robert and Leona DeArmond Executive Director of the Knight Campus. “Through the process, ZGF demonstrated an attention to detail and understanding of our need for a functional but elegant design to support our mission of science advancing society. We are thrilled with the selection and look forward to working together.”

The current vision for the second phase is for a 175,000-square-foot, multi-story bioengineering and applied science research building to support additional research programs and facilities. The building is the centerpiece of the $225 million building project, slated for two acres along Riverfront Research Parkway.

“ZGF is elated to work with the UO and the Knight Campus to establish a state-of-the art research destination that is worthy of a world map,” said Braulio Baptista, Partner, ZGF Architects. “Phase two will boost the innovation potential of the campus by creating a vibrant multi-disciplinary research community driven by collaboration.”

Hoffman Construction, which served as the general contractor for phase one of the Knight Campus, remains for phase two.

The project is in planning stages this summer. The focus has not turned to specific construction timelines. By fall, the design team will develop programmatic requirements and a conceptual design.