The lab is on the basement level of Hildebrand Hall, a laboratory/classroom building constructed in the 1960s. A basement location is ideal for laser research because it ensures considerably less structural vibration, is removed from student traffic, and can be placed in total darkness during daylight hours. The laboratory is a self-contained facility with four laser labs arranged around a core of support and interaction spaces as well as researcher offices.

During the programming phase the supplier of the laser tables completed on-site vibration testing to ensure the ambient vibration was within the performance criteria for the tables and the delicate research they would support.

Other major design concerns were temperature stability, minimizing air turbulence around the laser experiments, and minimizing airborne particulates introduced into the labs. To satisfy these requirements, the HVAC scheme is a stand-alone system of small, individual air handlers supported on vibration isolators and suspended from the concrete floor slab above the lab corridor. The units, supplied by central hot water and chilled water loops, were designed to accommodate HEPA or standard filter banks. To provide thorough mixing of room air with minimal disturbance, ceiling diffusers were located at the corners of the laser rooms. The air is returned into the ceiling plenum through a large ceiling opening above the laser table in each room. Individual temperature and humidity controls for each laser room ensure a one-degree Fahrenheit temperature delta during experiments, which can take as long as eight hours to run.

A flexible floor plan allows running different laser experiments concurrently, fosters a high degree of interaction, and provides a safe and comfortable work environment.