Nano-Scaled Interdisciplinary Research: No Small Task –Physics and Nanotechnology Building Planning and Energy Strategies

Mamie Harvey, AIA, LEED AP, Architectural Alliance
Taka Soga, ZGF Architects

Under the University of Minnesota's goal to become one of the top three public research institutions in the world within the next decade, the College of Science and Engineering is uniquely positioned to provide vision, leadership, and intellectual capital that underwrite progress in the 21st Century. The college has collaborations with inter-campus programs of varied disciplines, locally-based companies such as 3M and Medtronic, as well as with other universities around the globe. These collaborations nurture cutting-edge research, technology transfer, world-class academic programs, and faculty expertise.

Key to developing these relationships, as well as academic and research activities is the construction of the new Physics and Nanotechnology building with 144,000 gross square feet of laboratory, clean room and office space for research. The School of Physics & Astronomy and The Center of Nanostructure Applications (which drive the program for the building) are distinct, but have symbiotic research and education needs, and require a highly technical environment that can continuously adapt to the latest technologies. The cleanroom is an essential part of this building's program, as are physics labs, support spaces for display and discussion sessions, pre-functions for conferences, and providing department visibility for both the Center for Nanostructure Applications and the School of Physics & Astronomy.

This presentation will explain site and building solutions that successfully brought together these inter-disciplinary programs, and met stringent technical requirements. Taka Soga and Mamie Harvey will discuss the strategies implemented in the goal to meet the 2030 commitment for reducing energy consumption by 40% beyond code, and discuss balancing the demands of a high-hazard facility with sustainable energy strategies. Some of these strategies include the use of chilled beams throughout the laboratories, the addition of a particle monitoring system for the cleanroom users to implement night time turn down, and other active and passive measures to achieve energy efficiency while maintaining high standards of environmental health, safety, and security.

Biographies:

Mamie Harvey is a Principal and Architect with Architectural Alliance and has served as Lead Designer on numerous research projects for both public and corporate clients. She heads up Architectural Alliance's Science + Technology Studio. Mamie brings expertise in creating early design cohesion through a thorough programming / planning process, leads the design efforts, and continues to oversee further development and implementation of the design throughout the construction process. Mamie received a BA in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis, and a MA in Architecture from the University of Minnesota. She has been a LEED accredited professional for 12 years, and is currently designated LEED AP in Building Design and Construction.

Taka Soga is a project manager and technical architect with over 21 years of experience on a variety of project types including academic teaching and research laboratory facilities. He facilitates strong communication between the design team, client, tenants, and contractor to develop design solutions to respond to the specific needs of each laboratory program. Project responsibilities have included schematic design and development, client and consultant coordination, site administration, detailing, and construction documents. His breadth of work includes complex master planning and laboratory projects on the campuses of: Iowa State University, Biorenewables Complex; University of Alaska Anchorage, ConocoPhillips Integrated Science Building; University of Minnesota, Physics and Nanotechnology Building; Washington State University, Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, and a new speculative building with office, laboratory and research space in Seattle, Washington.

 

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