The Challenges of Providing Bio-Containment Spaces in Existing
Facilities
Ed Cordes, AIA and Raymond
Beets, AIA, B2HK Architecture
Objectives:
Evolving research protocols (as defined in the CDC/NIH guide for
Bio-safety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories) and the
increased use of potentially dangerous micro-organisms, has lead
many research institutions to consider the addition of bio-containment
suites to existing research facilities. Renovation of existing spaces
to provide both BSL-3 lab suites and ABSL-2 & ABSL-3 vivariums
can be a difficult and extremely complex process. Insertion of these
functions into an existing laboratory facility affects more than
mechanical systems. Potential changes include additional life-safety
systems, decontamination, building circulation and material finishes
changes. These spaces require dedicated complex controls and equipment.
In addition to BSC's, pass-thru autoclaves and animal cage wash
and processing equipment is often included in the scope of work.
Findings:
By examining a number of current renovation projects, we will present
lessons learned, critical details and overall conceptual systems
design considerations to guide research institutions in their consideration
of adding bio-containment facilities to existing buildings. Cost
modeling, trends, minimum square footage and energy usage estimations
will help clarify the real costs of such a renovation. Conceptual
layouts (architectural/ engineering) will be used to explain the
complexity of these types of projects.
Labs21 Connection:
This presentation will:
- Look at the total impact (cost, energy usage, engineering, architecture)
involved in renovating existing laboratory facilities for bio-containment
use.
- Examine the opportunities to utilize energy efficient systems
and components in the design of these spaces.
- Discuss how the addition of these lab types affects occupant
safety.
Biography:
Ed Cordes, AIA, is a principal of B2HK
Architecture and has over 14 years experience in complex systems
design including civilian aerospace, laboratory and animal facility
work. Current work involves a number of higher education research
laboratory & animal facility projects. Ed has served as the
project manager on animal facilities of all types and species, including
transgenic rodent vivariums (ABSL-2, ABSL-3) totaling over 100,000
square feet and primate (great ape, and monkey) holding facilities
and sanctuaries. Laboratory design efforts include renovations for
BSL-3 suites. Mr. Cordes is involved in the commissioning process
for a BSL-4 laboratory nearing completion. Other recent projects
of note include, new genetic research labs, pathology labs, a cardiac
diagnostic center and a new school of pharmacy for the Texas A&M
University System.
Ray Beets, AIA, brings 31 years of experience
in the design of complex research facilities. As a Principal of
B2HK Architecture, he oversees the firm's work relating to high
containment. Ray is the partner in charge for the University of
Texas - Medical Branch at Galveston BSL-4 laboratory facility. The
firm is also currently completing designs for a new BSL-4 facility
to be built by the State of New Mexico Department of Health. Mr.
Beets belongs to the International BSL - 4 User Group and has co-authored
a study on the design of bio-containment insectaries for the "Anthology
of Bio-Safety IV: Issues in Public Health (ABSA). Other projects
of note include university research support facilities (ABSL-3,
ACL-3 Labs), and design studies for the Planetary Sample Receiving
Facility (BSL-4) for the NASA/Johnson Space Center. Mr. Beets' clients
include major universities, biomedical/pharmaceutical companies
and research hospitals. Ray's comprehensive laboratory design background
and involvement with high containment issues on an international
level bring a unique perspective.
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