Vanderbilt University has selected DLR Group to lead design of a new Stevenson Center 6, an interdisciplinary research facility that will transform how three schools collaborate and accelerate scientific discovery. As a new beacon and gateway to Vanderbilt’s historic campus, the research facility replaces the existing building to create a space for collaboration between the College of Arts and Science, the School of Engineering, and the School of Basic Sciences.
“This project strengthens the university’s capacity to attract top talent and positions Vanderbilt to lead breakthrough research that benefits Nashville and beyond.”
Located at the cross-section of two key Vanderbilt neighborhoods—Central Campus and the Historic Core, the new building of over 200,000 SF is designed to be adaptable and future-leaning to catalyze new scientific breakthroughs. The unique new building creates a dynamic and flexible environment that responds to the growing needs of research institutions.
Vanderbilt University and DLR Group have collaborated since 2018 on strategic campus planning for a Trans Institutional Plan (Summer 2018) and a Feasibility Study (Fall 2024) to modernize the historic campus core and assess future science infrastructure needs. Here’s the quick rundown:
New Stevenson Center 6
Vanderbilt Univesity
| What’s Now | Existing Building |
| What’s Next | Research Facility |
| Owner | Vanderbilt University |
| Architects | DLR Group |
| Hopkins Architect | |
| Centric Architecture | |
| Interiors | Casella Interiors |
| Landscape | Hawkins Partners |
| Civil | Barge Civil Associates |
| Engineering | AEI Inc |
| Structure | Thorton Tomasetti |
| Contractor | JE Dunn |
Standing at 10 stories tall, complete with two lower levels, the new Stevenson Center 6 design features a high-performance and transparent glazed facade that balances daylight and views for building users while also creating new opportunities for display and engagement along a main campus pedestrian path. The main entrance aligns with existing campus pathways, integrating the structure seamlessly.
Inside, the ground floor offers a diverse program including exhibition, event, and workspaces, while west-facing collaborative areas and meeting rooms on each floor provide long sight lines across campus. Highly flexible laboratory environments support the latest research while also balancing occupant health and wellbeing. Inspired by natural systems, the building promotes engagement through natural daylight, landscape planting, and natural materials to blend into the arboretum campus.
The groundbreaking for the development is expected in summer 2026, with completion in 2028. DLR Group is providing architecture, engineering, interiors, laboratory planning, campus planning, and sustainability services.
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