UCSD Special Purpose Labs

Overview:

The University of California San Diego is one of the foremost research universities in the United States. To support research projects associated with this function laboratories are continuously modified and improved to meet specific research project needs. Blevins CUBED has performed facility related modifications at the main campus in La Jolla and at the Hillcrest Medical Center campus for over 25 years through a series of master agreements with the University. During 2008 - 2009, Blevins CUBED provided design and construction administration services for several special purpose laboratories including Laboratory Expansions and Modifications in Building 303 ( The Prion Lab ), and separate laboratory renovations in the Center for Molecular Medicine and the Engineering Physics Building to support the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Each of these projects were completed on time and under the approved budget within a competitive bidding process.

Technical Issues:

Located on the lower floor of an existing teaching facility, the Prion Lab required the reconfiguration of space to allow for complete atmospheric separation of this lab space from all adjacent spaces. Openings to the exterior were closed. An airlock was provided for entry to the space, and all materials were transferred using an autoclave. A cascade ventilation system was designed to assure control of contamination from the lab to adjacent spaces. Construction of the space involved installation of new steam generators, new exhaust fans, new lighting and air distribution systems. The new labs for the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) required similar renovation of spaces to support Tissue Culture, Darkroom, an Electron Microscopy Suite, general laboratory spaces and internal circulation within the laboratory itself. Integration of the specialized ventilation scheme required for laboratory operation was installed within the context of an overall building air movement system.