Creative Laboratory Renovations at Yale University while Maintaining Historic Significance of the Sterling Chemistry Building

Punit Jain, Cannon Design

Needing to expand its laboratory space to accommodate an increase in class size, Yale University made the decision to renovate its historic Sterling Chemistry Lab. The renovation will strengthen the university's ability to educate students in core STEM disciplines including biology and chemistry.

One of the driving focuses of the renovation effort is ensuring the building adheres to strong sustainable performance goals. CannonDesign is working to ensure this throughout the gutting of the building's northern central section and the creation of new teaching labs, preservation of existing labs and the inclusion of a new roof structure, seismic upgrade and all-new mechanical, electrical and plumbing system to support the multi-science program.

Some of the key elements include the preservation of the entire exterior building façade and the offices along the exterior wall while completely gutting the inside core of the building including structure. The new structure will be inserted inside the existing exterior resulting in modern cutting edge biology and chemistry teaching labs with adequate support rooms and ample interaction and collaboration zones. Each student will have their own 4' hood in the organic chemistry labs with 39 hoods per lab. Unique water conservation strategies have been employed for experimental work in these labs in addition to using vacuum pumps in lieu of water aspirators.

This presentation would offer advice, tips, and a real-world example and case study from the work at Yale about how best to approach a historic renovation and ensure it meets sustainability goals.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the importance of sustainability at Yale University and why it is important in STEM environments
  • Learn from case studies and examples at Yale about how to leverage sustainability throughout the design process.
  • Translate key tips from Yale University to help promote sustainable laboratory design within your facilities.

Biography

Punit Jain is a key member of Cannon Design's Science and Technology practice, with extensive experience in laboratory architecture. Mr. Jain serves as Cannon Design's sustainable design leader, responsible for promoting high-performance design through LEED® certification, conducting training for the firm's professionals, and championing sustainable design practices. Validating this commitment, Mr. Jain was elected to the National Board of the U.S. Green Building Council, which is widely recognized as one of the most influential institutions in the sustainable movement worldwide.

Mr. Jain was recognized with a 2010 Go Beyond Award, and has also received the Growing Green Award in the "Quietly Green" category for his dedication and service to the sustainable design in the community at large.

 

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