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Newton, MA 02458
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Science

When the Tufts University Chemistry Department needed to add two new organic teaching laboratories, it called on GRA because of our renowned laboratory design expertise. We configured the laboratories into two contiguous areas, each with 14 student stations, along with a central dispensing & supply area to enable flexibility in teaching the classes. This multi-phase project also includes new offices, conference rooms, a graduate student lounge, and support spaces. Energy conservation methods were essential since laboratories are one of the most energy-consuming building types. We’re recognized leaders in this area, having written several industry articles on the topic. So we were able to provide state-of-the-art energy savings measures. These include heat recovery units, which recapture heat from exhaust fans for conditioning of the spaces, and high-efficiency laboratory equipment, such as low-flow fume hoods. The Mechanical Engineering Department at MIT does strikingly innovative research in mechanics design, manufacturing & product development, instrumentation, robotics, energy science & engineering, and bioengineering. We designed laboratories for this department that focus on renewable energies and photovoltaic materials. The designs not only help researchers do their work, but balance safety, reduced energy usage and optimum function. A biosafety level 3 laboratory, also known as a BL3, has a high level of containment to prevent release of dangerous materials into the environment. When the Umass Medical School received a large National Institute of Health grant for a new BL3 animal facility, they called on GRA for the design. This facility includes a suite of animal labs and a new quarantine area for holding incoming research animals. This state-of- the-art facility is designed to meet stringent government requirements for biocontainment animal facilities. The Lederle Graduate Research Center contains laboratories, offices and classrooms for the Departments of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. GRA designed four floors of NIH research laboratories in the complex, totaling 80,000 SF. New lobbies on each floor provide offices for teaching assistants, meeting rooms and cafes. Our firm also designed new laboratory prototypes with standardized efficient layouts, system disconnects, and moveable furnishings for maximum flexibility. In addition, GRA, along with mechanical engineers, completed an architectural and mechanical report on the 500,000 SF science facility, which consists of a 3-story and 17-story building. We identified and analyzed deficiencies in the buildings and recommended realistic solutions. In addition to the research laboratories, our firm also designed new teaching laboratories for chemistry and biology. Tufts University was confronted with an outdated infrastructure in this older chemistry complex, coupled with a need for new efficient laboratories. Our firm completely renovated the entire Pearson and Michael Chemistry Buildings inside and out. This was a phased project, with certain stages carried out as the buildings were occupied. Our firm also helped to achieve $300,000 in energy rebates for the University. The renovations included infrastructure upgrades to all major services, site utility improvements, a new accessible entrance, and the full renovation of the Michael and Pearson Buildings into new research laboratories, classrooms, and offices. A new, tiered classroom provided updated technology and a much improved environment for teaching. New teaching laboratories were designed with flexibility of function, durable materials and energy efficient systems. Enseco, Inc., the largest environmental testing firm in the U.S., needed to update its facilities. GRA designed a new 10,000 SF addition and a 20,000 SF renovation to the headquarters in Cambridge. The new design provided the company with well-organized corporate offices, testing laboratories, and support spaces. Our firm developed a cost effective, metal panel exterior cladding system for the façade of the building, creating a new hi-tech image for the environmental testing firm. Converting a former warehouse building into animal research laboratory facilities required some innovative planning. GRA designed the laboratories, animal holding suites, offices, loading dock, and new mechanical infrastructure to allow for efficient research operations. On the exterior, we provided a new accessible entrance and façade. To top it off, our architects saved half a million dollars in construction costs with design decisions that saved space and reduced the extent of construction. GRA completed more than 15 laboratory renovations in MIT’s Building 54, a 23-story high rise also known as the Green Building. The design for the Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences includes wet lab research space with environmentally controlled sample storage rooms, and an instrumentation area. The Shim Lab renovation includes the design of special HEPA filters for laser laboratories. Like all our lab designs, this one carefully balances energy conservation with safety and efficient function. ImmunoGen, Inc., a major biotech company, wanted to consolidate their offices and research laboratories into one location. Senior managers initially thought the project was too large for the masonry warehouse building they wanted to renovate. However, with efficient planning and organization, GRA was able to fit all of the offices and research laboratories into the building. This 70,000 SF building project was a successful fast track design/build project constructed for the extremely economical price of $75/SF. The Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, at the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory Laboratory, is known for its cutting edge research. Run by Professor Tsai, the Picower Professor of Neuroscience, this particular lab performs research on brain development and neuropsychiatric disorders. But its labs needed significant updating to keep up with changing research methods. GRA provided new wet laboratories and offices that help the researchers do their important work.