Design Process and Issues in New Interdisciplinary Science Research Buildings

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and analyze the design process and issues of a new interdisciplinary science laboratory building. Unlike conventional science buildings that focus on one type of discipline, new interdisciplinary science buildings are a combination of two or more different disciplines. By illustrating a specific example of the design and construction of the Biogeochemistry (BGC) building and the Marine Research Facility (MRF) building at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) ¹, the main issues pertaining to the new lab design will be covered. In discussing the development of the project, campus planning, laboratory planning, public space planning, cladding design, Mechanical Electrial and Plumbing (MEP) system coordination, interior design, laboratory bench design, and inherent design issues in interdisciplinary science labs will be reviewed.