Laboratory flexibility emphasized the need for exposed, modular utilities systems and large spaces uninterrupted by structural columns and mechanical shafts. The laboratory component is designed to contain large and flexible laboratory "lofts" banded by offices and support spaces interconnected by circular stairs. The highly technical function of the laboratory core is expressed with a smooth glass curtain wall intermittently visible through the precast concrete shell.

Large exterior windows provide light and views for most of the offices, and special metal awnings at each window provide sun protection and also give scale to the building facades. In addition, the building is enlivened by carefully considered exterior balconies, stairs and railings.

Project Information
Building Owner:		University of California, San Diego
Owner Contact:		Robert C. Weilage, Director of Architecture
Building Location:		San Diego, CA AFGHANISTAN
Project Type:		New Construction
Principal Building Function:		Multidisciplinary Engineering and Testing Facility
Project Delivery Method:		Design/Bid/Build
Project Timeline		Sep 1991 Planning Start Jul 1993 Design Start Feb 1995 Construction Start Dec 1996 Completion Last known status: Completed
Construction Cost:		$18,026,271
Cost Per Sq. Ft:		$179
		About These Cost Figures
Building Information
Project Includes:		Education: Administration Education: Classroom Engineering Laboratory: Dry Laboratory: Research Office: Researcher Research
Total GSF:		100,877
Total NSF:		61,286
Efficiency:		61%
Building Population:		241
People Density:		419 gsf/person
Building Services:		Gas, compressed air, vacuum, Dl water, industrial cold/hot H20
Special Equip:		Overhead cranes in highbay
Office Size:		130 NSF
Power Req:		32.6 watts/nsf
HVAC Req:		2.27 cfm/nsf
Structure/Foundation:		Steel moment frame on drilled pier/grade foundation
Laboratory Parameters
Lab Module:		11' x 29'
Casework Mat'l:		Moveable metal with plastic laminate top, adjustable wood with chemical resistant plastic laminate & epoxy
Fume Hoods:		7:5', 1: 8', 2: 6'
Biosafety Cabinets:		2: Class II, Type B2
Project Team
Architect		MBT Architecture
Consultant - Electrical		Hanscomb Associates, Inc.
Consultant - Laboratory Design		Research Facilities Design (RFD)
Supplier - Biosafety Cabinets		The Baker Company
Supplier - Building Automation Controls		Johnson Controls Inc.
Supplier - Fume Hoods		Fisher Hamilton
Profile Created 12/01/1996
Last Updated 04/04/2006
About the Reported Cost Figures The cost figures reported are supplied by the firms that submitted these projects for publication, which in most cases are the designers or builders. Whereas these sources are intimately familiar with their projects, they may not be fully aware of the owners' finally-realized and recorded costs. In some cases, costs are truly and completely accounted for, and in others they represent a near approximation of the final costs. Costs have not been adjusted for year of construction, nor has any attempt been made to make regional cost adjustments. Further, costs are not comparable on any kind of detailed standard costing model. Hence, it is possible for the cost of one building to include a steam boiler, while the cost of a comparable building might not include the boiler, if steam is being supplied from an already existing campus grid. Or, in another case, a building might include excess boiler capacity to supply steam to another building. Some submittals include fees or unusual site improvements as part of the construction costs, which others do not.