Rutgers University
building a healthier future
Rutgers University
New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition & Health
The New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition + Health is a signature initiative by Rutgers University to provide research and education related to society’s pressing challenges in cardio-inflammatory disease, cancer and obesity.
The Ballinger-designed interdisciplinary research building is the centerpiece of the Institute. The iconic building is transparent to nature, inviting faculty, students and the community to engage in the nutrition and health activities housed within. A large solar “parasol” is the organizing feature of the design.
key information
The building features a student health clinic, a human performance lab, a nutrition research clinic, a healthy eating courtyard and a preschool dedicated to educating parents and children on diet and nutrition. The remaining spaces house wet and dry labs, faculty and administrative offices and outreach meeting spaces.
The sloping site integrates an amphitheater for events and provides a place to plant crops used by the Institute’s café. A living wall containing over 40 plant species spans three floors, connecting building occupants to nature.
“The project team that designed the building worked to understand our goals and created a facility that breaks down traditional barriers between faculty and staff and enables research not just between departments, but across the many schools which make up the University.”
Peter J. Gillies, PhD Founding Director, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health
American Institute of Architects New Jersey
Honor Award, Built
American Institute of Architects New Jersey
Merit Award, Unbuilt
