Bio-Engineering Laboratory Renovation
Project Summary
The Department of Bio-Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) needed a series of research laboratories to support and attract the flourishing department’s 60 outstanding faculty members. We developed a master plan for research laboratory renovations, completed in two phases, to support the UIUC bio-engineering department and graduate program faculty. In the updated laboratory spaces, the department can develop new technologies that will fundamentally change how medicine is practiced in the 21st century.
client
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
location
Urbana, Illinois
size
3,800 sf
cost
$2.2 million
Services
Specialties
client
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
location
Urbana, Illinois
size
3,800 sf
cost
$2.2 million
Services
Specialties
Phase I
Phase I involved four wet laboratories with infrastructure needs related to HVAC and fire suppression systems. On the main floor of the Digital Computer Laboratory Building, we incorporated solvent fume safety hoods, vented bio-safety cabinets, an acid fume hood, vacuum pumps, DI-system and an autoclave/dish washing room. To convert on room into four laboratories, minor demolition was required.
Phase II
We renovated a 3,575 sf area of the Digital computer Laboratory Building for interior infill of a two-story lounge area to meet the needs of the Bio-Engineering Department. As a result of this project, the remodeled spaces include four bio-safety level 2 wet laboratories and cell culture fitted with work benches, fume hoods and cabinetry, as well as a chemical waste storage area and a new make-up air unit. Three microscope rooms, a microbial bacteria room, a dark room, and a cold room were also incorporated.
Structurally Challenging
Challenges of the project included coordination of exhaust hood ductwork, coordination with UIUC to minimize the impact of the work on the staff, and ensuring the user provided items would work with Bailey Edwards design. Routing the exhaust duct vertically through the office space above proved complex. Bailey Edward acquired a better understanding of the structural requirements, as well as the overall space, in order to overcome this challenge.