Evolution of Research Laboratory Buildings at Indiana University
Robert Shea, BSA LifeStructures
Over the last 12 years, the Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine has constructed three successive, connected research laboratory buildings. The research spaces are dedicated to the scientific discovery of lifesaving therapies, especially in cancer treatment. The first building was the 126,000-square-foot Cancer Research Institute, completed in 1997, and the second was the 128,000-square-foot Research Institute, completed in 2002. Research III, the final component recently completed in March 2009, is a 254,000-square-foot facility with more than 100 modular laboratories and space for 90 new faculty members. Research III also houses the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, which studies neurological and mental disorders; the IU national gene vector laboratory, which provides scientists with gene transfer expertise and vectors for clinical research projects; and a DNA bank and cell repository. With each building, evolution occurred as lessons were learned with regard to the buildings' engineering systems including:
- Laboratory pressure controls advanced from differential pressure controls to airflow tracking resulting in improvements in occupant safety and energy efficiency.
- Energy recovery evolved from a run-around glycol system to a hybrid energy recovery approach utilizing both run-around systems and desiccant wheels for improved energy efficiency.
- Air handling unit service areas became program specific as the laboratory programs in the building became more specialized with each building.
- Lessons learned from each building were carried to the next building to improve occupant safety and system maintainability.
- Refinements occurred with the laboratory lighting density and air handling unit diversity sizing to improve system sustainability.
- Electrical power distribution density increased including emergency power and uninterruptible power.
This presentation will address the unique ways in which laboratory operations, energy efficiency, ventilation and air quality, and laboratory mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were integrated into three distinctly different built environments. Planning and design project delivery methods, LEED® considerations, and owner/user perspectives will also be discussed with respect to the evolution of design between the three facilities.
Biography:
Robert A. Shea, P.E., is a mechanical engineer and Principal-in-Charge with BSA LifeStructures. His career began at BSA LifeStructures more than fifteen years ago, and his work includes leadership and innovation of design and construction in healthcare, laboratory, research, and higher education facilities. His specific responsibilities include facility planning, project management, and staff development. A few notable projects with which Mr. Shea has been involved include: Research III and the Biotechnology Research and Training Center at Indiana University's School of Medicine, Clarian Pathology Laboratory for Clarian Health, and the Bed Tower and Surgical Suite Expansion at Community Hospital's North Campus. Mr. Shea is a professional engineer in the states of Florida, Indiana, and Illinois, and he is a member of ASHRAE and the National Society of Professional Engineers. Mr. Shea's work was recently published on the topic of "Predictions for 2009: Invest Even in a Down Economy."