Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science’s new Bio-Safety Level II (BSL2) Microbiology Laboratory project included the renovation of an existing classroom into a large teaching Microbiology Laboratory, a Tissue Culture Room, and Molecular Biology Rooms with a Prep room as support space.
Bio-Safety Level II compliance requires its own separate ‘once thru’ mechanical system, with varied pressure relationships between adjacent spaces to restrict the flow of contaminants from leaving the space. A new mechanical unit was installed within the existing penthouse, with carefully coordinated duct work running through the occupied floor above.
Complementing the focus on the function of teaching within the labs, this design paid very specific attention to reducing cross-contamination of surfaces and materials, achieved through careful detailing of casework and seaming of assemblies.
