NOAA Lab Managers Steer Design of Remodeled Marine Biotoxins Facility
Bud Ward
NOS National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
February 26, 2009 — When scientists with NOAA’s Marine Biotoxins Program in Charleston, S.C., looked at the prospects of updating their 30-year old laboratory facilities, they didn’t see it as a challenge, but as an opportunity. However, the initial architectural blueprints for their renovated space showed no major changes from the outmoded space that already existed. Their reaction? They decided to get actively engaged in the design process.
The harmful algae genomics research laboratory separates laboratory work from office work with observation windows. Pictured (from left) are Stephanie Brunelle, Jeff Paternoster, John Ramsdell, Tod Leighfield, and Heather Brand. Photo credit: Kimberly Nowocin, NOAA.
Not wanting to be shoe-horned into a one-size-fits-all “box,” the four-person scientific design team of lab managers engaged in an active “what-if” approach to making their new space work best for them and the public. By doing so, the NOAA team believed they could ensure that taxpayers got their dollars worth, and that they too — as scientists — got the optimum laboratory environment for their important work on marine toxins.
The seamless epoxy floor and movable center console allow movement of large equipment and inexpensive options for future re-design of core research space for emerging science such as this DNA transfection laboratory. Pictured here are Steve Morton and Valeria Dell'Ovo. Photo credit: Kimberly Nowocin, NOAA.
Lab managers Jeanine Morey, Jennifer Fuquay, Tina Mikulski and Tod Leighfield challenged the architect to look at the new lab from a scientist’s perspective. The NOAA managers put their heads together to help the architects design a safe, efficient, and state-of-the-art modern lab facility best suited for conducting toxicology, molecular biology, taxonomy, and chemistry research.
“Our key laboratory scientists collaborated with professional architects to create a safe prolific work environment and a new home for harmful algal bloom research that tells a fascinating story to all who have interest in NOAA,” said John Ramsdell, the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science scientist who leads the Marine Biotoxins Program.
The remodeled 10,000 square-foot facility is the product of design concepts originated by and suited for the end-user scientists. These concepts were translated into working blueprints by the architects.
High volume flow hoods, ample lighting, below-hood chemical storage, and chemical resistant epoxy floors meet safety requirements for preparing samples to investigate harmful algal bloom mortality events. Pictured (from left) are Noah Muha, Spencer Fire, Jessica Tiedeken, and Bennie Haynes. Photo credit: Kimberly Nowocin, NOAA.
From the earliest design and conceptualization stages to the much anticipated “ribbon cutting” ceremony, the scientists’ needs for an efficient, safe, flexible, and durable lab environment were foremost in the architectural design. Key design features included:
- Electrical upgrades and energy-efficient lighting;
- Seamless chemical-resistant flooring;
- Efficient pairings between office and lab space; and
- Safe and easy access for visiting scientists, scholars and the public.
In these ways and more, the new laboratory demonstrates the benefits of collaborative efforts that are all too uncommon in most workplace design and construction projects.
“Simply by better consolidating commonly used equipment, supplies, and chemicals into convenient central locations, the new lab should lead to significant cost savings over its lifetime,” added Tina Mikulski, one of the four participating scientists.
“Compared to the dark outdated space that preceded it, our scientists can now take pride in this modern and professional research facility,” agreed lab manager Jennifer Fuquay.