The project, launched in 2005, upgrades 20,000 square feet of outdated laboratory facilities in the south tower, constructed in 1973, providing state-of-the-art laboratory space that will support world class biomedical research on human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases. The Waisman Center is a complex of three interconnected buildings totaling 253,585 gross square feet.

The biomedical laboratory space on the 6th floor of the Waisman Center’s original building was in poor physical condition and much of the space was unoccupied for several years. The preclinical research support facilities on the 7th floor were outdated and extremely limited in both function and capacity. The renovation of our 6th floor laboratory space and the 7th floor preclinical research support facilities enable researchers to expand the amount of laboratory space and strategically expand their research portfolio by attracting new faculty working in relevant and complementary areas of biomedical research.

Engineering
This renovation project included the upgrade of several important mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems in the Waisman Center’s south tower. Our engineering team developed a careful and thoughtful plan that benefits the entire Waisman Center complex, providing systems with sufficient capacity for future renovations and expansions that also facilitate responsible and efficient use of energy. For example, the new emergency power generator ensures the safety and security of our precious biological data and scientific personnel even in the event of a power outage. In addition, Strang’s architects and engineers created a system with several new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems that not only ensure compliance with standards of the National Institutes of Health for biomedical research laboratories, but also minimize power and water consumption and use operational strategies that foster a healthy indoor environment. The project included high-performance construction materials, heat  recovery on the exhaust air stream, and interior finishes that impose minimal impact on indoor air quality.