Toolmarks of Sustainability—The Johnson County Criminalistics Laboratory

Michelle Gangel, AIA, LEED AP®, PGAV Architects
Susan Halla, Crime Lab Design

Toolmarks of sustainability at the Johnson County Criminalistics Laboratory include:

  • A Sustainability 101 work session to identify project goals, where the high goal of LEED® Platinum was set!
  • Building placement on the site to maximize north/south exposure for daylight.
  • Use of efficient, low-emissivity insulating glazing allows for natural light on four sides of the building with sunshades. A south-facing clerestory coupled with solotube skylights which allow light into the center of the building.
  • Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems include a ground source geo-exchange system, heat recovery wheel, photovoltaics for supplemental power, and air monitoring systems to reduce the amount of air changes required.
  • Project is tracking a LEED Platinum rating, including points for site design, reduction in energy use, daylight, and occupancy sensors on the lighting.

Biographies:

Michelle Gangel has dedicated her professional life to the creation of spaces for learning, research, exploration, and collaboration. Ms. Gangel's project experience over the past 17 years with PGAV Architects includes academic and research laboratories throughout the Midwest. Ms. Gangel has always been guided by her deep commitment to sustainability.

Ms. Gangel is serving as the project manager for the Johnson County Criminalistics Laboratory, overseeing the programming and design of the facility. Ms. Gangel earned her designation as a LEED AP in 2003, but a commitment to sustainable design has always been a part of what she considers her responsibility as a design professional.

Ms. Gangel is largely responsible for the creation of PGAV Architects' best practices, dedicated to educating, inspiring, and enabling every member of the firm to make informed decisions and lead the project team toward sustainability. Ms. Gangel is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Susan Halla is a senior forensic laboratory planner and project manager with Crime Lab Design. Ms. Halla's experience includes all phases of project development from programming through construction administration. Ms. Halla masterfully communicates the unique design challenges of forensic laboratories though facility discussions with both the project team and the client/user groups in the effort to address long-term strategies. In doing so, Ms. Halla facilitates complex design solutions that will serve the organization's needs, for both today and tomorrow. Ms. Halla's forensic expertise includes the programming, planning, and design, as well as construction administration of both forensic laboratories and medical examiner facilities. Ms. Halla has also recently completed the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD-LAB) training course and the examinations for the ASCLD-LAB International ISO17025-2006 assessment standard.