CSI: Investigating Value: A Case Study of the Johnson County Criminalistics Laboratory
Mike Schaadt, AIA, PGAV Architects
Chad Foster, AIA, LEED AP® BD+C, DBIA, Johnson County, Kansas
What is tracking to be the first LEED® Platinum crime laboratory in the United States focuses both on the science of criminal justice as well as the human factors of usability for the criminalists who comprise the staff.
An integrated approach to design was utilized for the project. End users, facilities planning and maintenance staff, commissioning agents, architects, and engineers participated in goal setting for sustainability early in schematic design and throughout the design process. This integrated process led to a very energy-efficient design. The facility incorporates numerous sustainable features, including geothermal heating and cooling, heat recovery, day lighting control, low-flow fume hoods, demand-based ventilation, water conservation, and solar photovoltaic technology.
The Johnson County Criminalistics Laboratory is oriented on the site to take advantage of natural light and views from the laboratory spaces. Maximum north and south exposure with large overhangs and horizontal sunshading control light levels on the south. Deep vertical and horizontal sunshades on the east and west allow for views out of and controlled daylight into the spaces.
Forensic scientists have very specialized tasks and needs, including the right quantity and types of light to make visual determinations that are critical to their science. Some are looking to discern barely perceptible differences in coloration between drug evidence. Others are counting on their ability to visually discriminate between example fingerprints. While bright day-lit spaces are favorable, sometimes that is not enough. The speakers will discuss how the design is able to meet sustainable goals and still provide intense lighting where needed.
Some trends that shape the design are areas for collaboration, highly flexible modular laboratories, and access to natural light.
Biographies:
Michael Schaadt is a principal with PGAV Architects, a leading science research and education architecture and planning firm. Mr. Schaadt has been leading the design of science research and education facilities for 25 years. His design experience encompasses a diverse range of project types and a continuous exploration of emerging trends in interdisciplinary research and academic science education. Mr. Schaadt is passionate about design and leads PGAV's efforts to create responsive, sustainable architecture that reaches beyond functional purpose to create a sense of place, excitement, and community.
For eight years, Chad Foster has served as a project manager with the Planning and Design Group of the Johnson County (Kansas) Facilities Management department. His prior career in the field of architecture includes varied projects from the Rocky Mountains eastward, and began upon his graduation from the University of Kansas in 1992. In addition to project management, Mr. Foster is also responsible for annually coordinating a five-year, $200 million capital improvement budget and a continuing energy-saving retrofit program, while pursuing progressive design and construction procurement methodologies. Mr. Foster is active in his community of Lawrence, Kansas, through volunteer organizations, public commissions, and local committees that focus on the built environment and recreation.