INSIDE MAY|JUNE FROM THE EDITORS OF R&D MAGAZINE
DEPARTMENTS
4 WHAT’S NEW ON
LABDESIGNNEWS.COM
8 NEW PROJECTS
FEATURES
1 A new home for the sciences
1 Incubating new ideas in tissue culture-based teaching
11 2016 Laboratory of the Year Awards
13 Designing the next generation instrument lab
16 Developing a comprehensive energy master plan
EDITOR'SNOTE
The 15th annual Laboratory Design
Conference, held in Houston from
April 25-27, was a huge success.
Attendees were treated to an excep-
tional educational and networking
event, where they got the chance to
converse with colleagues involved in
the planning, design, engineering, con-
struction and operation of laboratory facilities.
Each day was kicked off by a special Keynote
address—Texas native Brantley Hightower of Hiworks
started off the conference with a virtual architectural
tour of the Lone Star State, while CRB’s Mark Paskanik
utilized real-time data (via audience text messages)
to demonstrate the use of dashboards for operations
management.
Breakout sessions were led by industry experts—
topics ranged from retrofitting to energy concerns
to designing the lab of the future. Specialty focuses
such as fume hoods, forensic laboratories and steam
sterilizer design were also discussed, as well as a
Hackathon to encourage new ways to collaborate
with coworkers. Audience Q&A time was available
at the end of each talk, and those who attended the
conference were able to share their comments and
ideas with the speakers.
Attendees were able to visit the Exhibit Hall
between sessions to see and talk about industry
products and services, as well as mingle with col-
leagues and pursue new networking connections.
The Conference culminated with the official reveal
of the 2016 Laboratory of the Year winners, with
in-depth discussions delivered by the winning project
teams. The winning teams are highlighted in this issue
(see pg. 11).
Tours of exemplary lab facilities were offered as
part of the Laboratory Design Conference experience.
Participants were able to visit Brockman Hall for
Physics at Rice University, Texas Medical Center and
the Harris County Forensics facility, where site staff
members and design/build experts were on hand
to explain the venues and field questions from tour
attendees.
Conference attendees were able to earn credits
through the American Institute of Architects as well as
the Green Building Certification Institute, and are also
offered as general CEUs for non-AIA/GBCI members.
Laboratory Design tweeted throughout the event,
and attendees also tweeted using the hashtag
#2016LDC. Follow us on Twitter at @labdesignnews to see tweets, photos and video from the
Conference, and for the most up-to-date information
as we plan the 2017 Conference.
Laboratory Design is grateful to all attendees
and staff members who made the 2016 Laboratory
Design Conference such a success. Next year’s show
will be held in Raleigh, N.C.—we look forward to seeing you there!
By MaryBeth DiDonna, Editor
Another great year
for the Laboratory Design Conference!
www.labdesignnews.com