An infographic on construction of the Biosciences Building (Central Michigan University)
"In the end we wanted a functional space that puts science on display," says Andy Reihl, project manager. "From almost every part of the building you can see into the labs where students and faculty will be hands-on with their research."
Specialty research facilities include an equipment storage, staging and sample-processing storage area for ecological fieldwork; imaging center for scanning and transmission electron microscopes, and a bio-safety level-three laboratory to research infectious diseases.
The facility features specially glazed windows to reduce energy consumption for air conditioning; sensors that control lights and air conditioning, a vegetative green roof that reduces heat absorption; and low-flow plumbing that conserves water.
The building’s foundation is supported by 155 caissons, which are circular, watertight and concrete structures placed 30 feet into the ground. The concrete floors are 14 inches thick.
The architect is Stantec.
