Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has inaugurated the new $24 million Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS) II in Blacksburg, Virginia. The three-storey, 42,190 square feet facility, constructed in the University’s Life Sciences District, includes state-of-the-art laboratories for high-impact interdisciplinary research, lab support, faculty offices, and collaboration areas. The facility also includes workspace reserved primarily for research faculty and postdoctoral appointments.The laboratories will provide applied and fundamental studies in several interdisciplinary areas, including applied environmental biochemistry, fluvial processes, a global laboratory for bio-inspired science and technology, nanobiology, nonlinear imaging and spectroscopy, organic nanostructures, pathogen ecology, pipeline corrosion and the humanoid hospital.SmithGroup’s design offered a modern interpretation of Virginia Tech’s trademark Collegiate Gothic style. ICTAS II incorporates green elements including a rain garden, recycled and low-emitting materials, and a heat recovery system. The project is aimed at achieving LEED Gold certification by the US Green Building Council.