Beyond the 21st Century Information Technology Laboratory Design
Joseph DelPozzo, P.E., LEED AP®, WSP Flack + Kurtz
Raymond duTremblay, WSP Flack + Kurtz
Laboratories require a unique technology infrastructure and structured cabling system that is flexible and reliable. Information technology (IT) and intelligent infrastructure provided for laboratories must fulfill unique needs that allow the laboratory to operate securely both as an independent network and as part of a corporate/enterprise network. Critical functions include the ability to support automation and robotics, provide communications for environmental and energy monitoring systems, allow for secure recording and retrieval of real-time test data, and remain intuitive for users. Laboratory equipment is increasingly network enabled and capable of transmitting data to both wired and wireless computer systems, including smart phones and tablet devices.
The speakers will present solutions for the design of structured cabling and wireless high-performance operations, sustainable or "green" cabling infrastructure solutions, how to provide a flexible topology, future proofing, what to consider when selecting equipment, and infrastructure costs. The presenters will detail technologies to enable "smart building design" and will present a case study of the infrastructure design at the State University of New York (SUNY) Stony Brook Center for Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology.
The speakers will also present the fundamentals of building information modeling (BIM). During the design process, BIM can be used to develop a "virtual" laboratory building model to visualize building components, construction sequences, resource allocation, cost, and coordination among multiple disciplines in a virtual environment. Conflicts among structural, mechanical ducts, piping, and IT infrastructure can be identified and corrected before installation.
Designs that provide flexibility include proving an ad-hoc cabling pathway that is easy for the end user to change "on the fly." Within reason, each individual laboratory should be capable of linking with any other laboratory as needs change. By infusing this flexibility into the basic architecture of the building, changes to cabling can be made quickly (within hours or overnight) and cost effectively. From a network standpoint, it is critical that the laboratories can conduct experiments and research outside of the enterprise or corporate network infrastructure that provides email, Microsoft Office products such as Word and Excel, and other applications controlled by the company's internal information systems department. This prevents the introduction of network issues onto the corporate network and allows laboratory personnel the freedom to experiment. A separate, more permanent infrastructure, not available to laboratory personnel, will satisfy the internal information systems department that corporate and enterprise applications are separated from the laboratory network.
The presenters will explain acronyms and "network jargon" in simple, easy to understand terms, as well as give examples. The presenters will show physical samples to better allow the identification of exactly what is being described.
Concurrently, the presenters will describe the laboratory's power quality, infrastructure, and flexibility.
Biographies:
Joseph DelPozzo is a senior vice president with WSP Flack + Kurtz and is an extremely motivated electrical engineer whose primary responsibility is the design and management of building engineering systems. Mr. DelPozzo's value-conscious designs are based on early communication with the entire design team to develop creative system concepts that respond to the owner's goals and architectural goals of the project.
Mr. DelPozzo is the single point source for communicating with the design team. Mr. DelPozzo's knowledge of many mechanical and IT systems requirements allows him to represent all disciplines and enhances his ability to develop integrated building design concepts.
Mr. DelPozzo has applied his expertise to several significant award-winning science and technology project types. Mr. DelPozzo is also certified by the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions; is a LEED AP; a member of the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North American (IESNA); and is a licensed professional engineer in eight states.
Raymond duTremblay has a broad range of expertise in technology, project management, and construction, and specializes in analyzing user requirements, accomplishing system software design, and communicating technical system criteria in simple terms to architects, engineers, and construction trades.
Mr. duTremblay's development of computer-based tools to streamline the inter-related tasks of multimedia, network, and security installation has been greatly responsible for his success in this industry. Mr. duTremblay has in-depth technical expertise in audiovisual, radio frequency (RF) systems, medical technology, digital imaging systems, imaging software, data, and network integration. Mr. duTremblay's comparative studies of computer and multimedia systems, as well as master planning reports and cost benefit studies, coupled with the experience he brings to contract negotiations have become project essentials.
Mr. duTremblay is a committee member of Building Industry Consulting Service International, Inc. (BICSI) 002-2010 Data Center Design and Implementation Best Practices.