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.

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 cafe. The Institute is also home to New Jersey’s largest living wall.

Watch how Ballinger builds a better future at The New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition + Health.