Laboratory Design Newsletter

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!