Project Description
Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) needed a research lab that would centralize its four biomedical core research areas – Analytical Chemistry and Protein Profiling; Biomedical Technology Service Laboratory; Cells and Tissues; and Gene Profiling. Previously, the four core research labs had been in scattered locations on MSM’s original Westview campus, so consolidating them would optimize utilization of space for equipment, prep facilities and human and technical resources.
The 17,603-square-foot, $10 million core research lab, comprises one large open research lab, eight support labs, administrative spaces and restrooms updated to meet ADA standards.
The Lord, Aeck & Sargent (LAS) design team maintained a corridor, which had existing interstitial space for utilities. They added to the interstitial space a cylinder storage room that pipes CO2 to the benches in the open lab and to incubators throughout the space, allowing vendors to refill the cylinder without having to enter the lab.
Located on the second floor of the MSM’s Medical Education Building, this renovation project is targeting LEED silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Sustainable design strategies include electrical and mechanical upgrades, including chilled beam technology for cooling; daylighting from the east all the way into the open lab through the use of glass walls; water use reduction; low-emitting materials and finishes; construction waste management; recycled construction materials; and more.
The project was funded with an NIH grant for which LAS helped MSM apply.