Informed Design - Integrated Systems

Richard Whealan, AIA, LEED® AP, The Miller|Hull Partnership
Paul Schwer, P.E., LEED AP, PAE Consulting Engineers

Through the presentation of general principles and specific examples from a current project, we will describe strategies for sustainable laboratory design, including:

• Whole-building design
• Equipment selection
• Right-sizing
• Logical distribution and integration of the laboratory systems with the architectural design

The focus will be on establishing an early strategy for systems design and integration and how a rational laboratory system design can inform the architectural design solution.

We will address whole-building design through sustainable design considerations for the non-laboratory functions within lab buildings (i.e., offices, workrooms, classrooms, public space, etc). In particular, options for reducing overall energy use by pursuing natural ventilation strategies with mechanical assist wherever possible.

Labs21 Connection:

Our presentation may be unique in our approach to integrated design. Working closely with the project engineers in the pre-schematic design phase, the team establishes a plan for efficient and flexible lab systems and distribution. We use this knowledge to establish a logic that informs the building structure and the arrangement of spaces. The resulting clarity of systems results in a serviceable and flexible laboratory design. Making some of the building systems visible, or on display, can inform the users of the functionality of their laboratory.

The Miller|Hull Partnership offers a unique perspective as a design leader in the Pacific Northwest, and the firm's national and international reputation continues to grow. The Miller|Hull Partnership has received over 140 design awards in 27 years, including four Earth Day Top Ten Awards, four LEED projects, and the 2003 Firm Award from the National American Institute of Architects.

Paul Schwer has lectured extensively on sustainable design, life cycle cost analysis, natural ventilation and "Net Zero Energy" building topics to the American Institute of Architects as well as at several universities including Washington State University, Willamette University, University of Oregon, and New York University. Paul is passionate about sustainable design and enjoys working collaboratively with owners and architects to identify and implement green design solutions.

Biographies:

Richard Whealan, AIA, LEED AP, is an Associate and Project Manager at The Miller|Hull Partnership. He received his Bachelors in Architecture from California Polytechnic in San Luis Obispo, California, in 1988. He is also a registered architect in Washington and Virginia, and received his BCARB certification in 1994. Some of Richard's project experience includes the LEED certified Seattle Pacific University Laboratory Sciences Building, the Tacoma Community College Science Building in Tacoma, WA, the Washington State University Heald Hall Lab Expanded Options Study in Pullman, WA, and the BES Water Pollution Control Laboratory in Portland, OR. Richard presented at the Labs21 2005 Annual Conference.

Paul Schwer, P.E., LEED AP is President of PAE Consulting Engineers in Portland, Oregon. PAE is a leading northwest mechanical/electrical design firm that specializes in integrated sustainable design for buildings. Paul has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, and is a registered Professional Engineer in four states. Over the last 20 years, Paul has designed mechanical systems for a number of public and private buildings both nationally and internationally.

Paul spent two years as an adjunct faculty member of New York University and is currently an adjunct faculty member of the University Of Oregon Department Of Architecture. He is a LEED Accredited Professional currently working on over two dozen projects pursuing USGBC LEED certification. Several of these projects are pursuing LEED Platinum ratings. Paul is also actively involved with The Natural Step (TNS).

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