oVERVIEW

Our design for higher education laboratory projects runs across a wide variety of study fields. We’ve worked on renovations in several different schools and buildings at Oregon State University, ranging from high-temperature-test-facilities for the Radiation Center to controlled environment rooms and growth chambers for the School of Botany and Plant Pathology. We’ve worked on renovations for research labs in the schools of Microbiology and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, as well as renovations for laser labs and food labs for nutrition science.

The bulk of our work has been for research labs, as opposed to teaching labs. The end goal for our designs of laboratory renovations is simple: meet the particular needs of each researcher and give them a space that supports their research. Oftentimes this includes tighter control of their environment which usually includes tighter control of HVAC systems, but can also include separate cabinets or rooms to maintain that control.

At the higher education level, renovations generally are required to be institutional grade for durability and longevity. At the same time, the renovations have to be flexible enough to allow for the natural changes that research brings. Many laboratory renovations projects have had a mix of renovations types — prep spaces, teaching labs, and research facilities focused on a specific discipline. All laboratory renovations require a focus on material selections that are resistant to harsh chemicals. Mechanical and electrical systems design for higher education laboratories most often adhere to stricter parameters than other types of buildings.

lASER lABS

Laser laboratories are a separate type of laboratory where the goals include vibration isolation and extreme light control. Additional walls and secure systems are often included to block all outside light and identify/control access to the lab when experiments are running. HVAC systems are controlled at all levels: air volume, air direction, temperature and humidity, and vibrations of equipment.

PROJECT TYPE
Laboratory

CONSTRUCTION TYPE
Renovations

LAB TYPES INCLUDE
Botany/Plant Pathology Labs
Microbiology Labs
Radiation Labs
Laser Labs
Veterinary Labs
Zoology Labs
Nutrition Science Labs
Other Labs