Informed Laboratory Architecture: Integrating Laboratory Systems into the Architectural Solution

Richard Whealan, The Miller|Hull Partnership

Through the presentation of general principles and specific examples from a current project(s), this presentation will describe strategies for an integrated design solution that includes: sustainable design fundamentals, establishing a logic for the distribution of systems, integration of the laboratory systems with the structural and architectural design, and accommodating adaptation.

Also discussed will be sustainable design considerations for the non-laboratory functions within the building (i.e. offices, workrooms, classrooms, etc.). In particular, options for reducing overall energy use by pursuing natural ventilation strategies with mechanical assistance wherever possible will be incorporated.

This discussion will be focused around the following two projects, with some additional information from other completed work to support the discussion.

• South Puget Sound Community College, Natural Sciences Complex, Olympia, Washington. This project is currently under construction with completion scheduled for August 2008.
• Whitworth University, New Science Building, Spokane, Washington. This project is in the design phase, with a construction scheduled to start in Spring 2009.

Biography:

Richard Whealan is a principal at The Miller|Hull Partnership, specializing in systems integration and project management on some of firm's more technical projects. This specialty has matured through experience on laboratory projects for both public and private higher education clients over the past 13 years.

Richard received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 1988.

Selected laboratory projects include:

• Whitworth University New Science Building, Spokane, Washington
• University of California at Santa Cruz Marine Science Campus Master Plan, Santa Cruz, California
• University of California at Santa Cruz Environmental Health and Safety Building (predesign), Santa Cruz, California
• South Puget Sound Community College Natural Sciences Complex, Olympia, Washington
• Tacoma Community College Science Building, Tacoma, Washington
• Seattle Pacific University Natural Sciences Building, Seattle, Washington
• Bureau of Environmental Services Water Pollution Control Laboratory, Portland, Oregon
• Chambers Creek Environmental Laboratory, Pierce County, Washington
• Washington State University Heald Hall Laboratory Expanded Options Study, Pullman, Washington

Back to Agenda