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New structures serve science

New structures serve science

With major funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has built new lab space for battery researchers and scientists who investigate “metamaterials,” upgraded an aging transformer bank that supplied electricity to the entire site, and constructed a modern facility to support thousands of scientists who visit the laboratory each year to conduct cutting-edge experiments on all manner of matter.

Improving HVAC

Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tenn., and SEMCO, Inc., Marietta, Georgia, have developed the SEMCO Revolution: Integrated, Active-Dessicant Rooftop Air Conditioner. The system controls both humidity and temperature independently while delivering any percentage of fresh, outdoor air required.

Lab renovation costs dip with economic doldrums

As discussed in the July issue of Laboratory Design newsletter, new lab construction costs this year are expected to fall 5 to 10% this year, due to recession impacts (including reduced profit margins being taken by firms involved in the construction industry in order to stay competitive). Most types of lab renovations will see decreases between 4 and 5%, slightly less dramatic than the declines for new construction, and less precipitous than the reductions in the 10% range for renovation costs seen between 2008 and 2009.

Revolutionizing laboratory design through Integrated Project Delivery

The current economic climate has adversely affected many industries, including building and construction. Tight budgets, lack of resources and time restrictions have forced many projects to a standstill–including some laboratory projects. Laboratories need to be built as controlled environments that ensure efficiency for workers and best integrate the latest technologies and equipment.

A one, two, three approach to energy-efficient lighting

While HVAC systems consume around 70% of a laboratory’s energy, electrical and lighting loads consume around, or over, 30%. Sustainable lighting in laboratories typically incorporates three key strategies, singly or (better yet) in combination: high-efficiency T8/T5 linear fluorescent lighting systems, daylighting and occupancy sensors.

Efficient HVAC strategies: An emerging technology primer

Efficient HVAC strategies: An emerging technology primer

An HVAC engineer’s first goal when planning any laboratory building is always the safety of the occupants. However, the secondary focus has become creating energy-efficient laboratories that meet the owner’s expectations for functionality and cost control.

Cold Spring Harbor upgrade creates research village

Cold Spring Harbor upgrade creates research village

In its 120th year and home to seven Nobel laureates, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory on Long Island, home to more than 400 scientists and growing, is hardly resting on its laurels. The institution that jumpstarted molecular biology—where, in 1953, James D. Watson presented his first public lecture on his and Francis Crick’s discovery of the double-helical structure of DNA—regularly makes headlines in scientific and even popular journals.

Univ. of California-Riverside, Genomics Building

Univ. of California-Riverside, Genomics Building

Multidisciplinary teaching and research facility supports the advancement of genomics, biomedical and related research areas, focused on the development of new products such as medicinal plants, safer foods, stress-resistant crops and bio-based products.

Study seeks to quantify benefits of reuse(2)

It’s common wisdom that saving existing buildings has significant economic and environmental benefits. A new study will attempt to examine that assumption by evaluating a range of buildings to examine the environmental impacts and costs of reuse.

Wisconsin job makes “biggest” list

As reported last month in Laboratory Design (page 11), several lab buildings have been ranked among the largest construction projects begun in 2009, in lists compiled by the regional magazines of McGraw Hill Construction.

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The irresistability of the end

The irresistability of the end

What is it about doomsday scenarios? Every once in a while, it seems, the general public can’t get enough of predictions about impending disaster. And the most recent spate of disaster ruminations seems more pervasive than ever.

Premature death notice

Premature death notice

Earlier this week, Wired editor Chris Anderson declared the death of the Web and the rise of everything else (on the Internet). It was a bit like twittering the death of your favorite celebrity on Twitter, except in this case it’s the one loved by billions.

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Optimizing Laboratory Fume Hood Selection

Fume hoods have been present within society and science since the 17th century. However, throughout the years fume hoods have changed to accommodate user’s needs and laboratory applications. While the first fume hoods were fixed and far from flexible, with modern and mobility needs, fume hoods have now become flexible in design, more efficient, energy-saving, and also now have many types from benchtop or conventional fume hoods, radioisotope fume hoods, perchloric fume hoods, ductless fume hoods, and more.

Keep moving forward with the Laboratory Design Conference 2010

Keep your project moving forward in challenging times... attend the Spring 2010 Laboratory Design Conference!

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