 The new integrated science facility with state-of-the-art laboratories, teaching spaces and research greenhouse under construction at the Geneseo Campus at SUNY. SUNY Geneseo is currently ranked as one of the best small, public
liberal arts colleges in the northeast with a strong emphasis on
education in the sciences. In order to both capitalize on and improve
their standing, the College needed to upgrade their aging infrastructure.
One of the two science buildings (Blake Hall) was constructed in
1965 and the other (Greene Hall) was constructed in 1970. Existing
teaching spaces were inadequate and lacked proper ventilation;
power supplies and laboratory plumbing systems did not meet current
needs; and laboratories were outdated.
We were commissioned, as part of the A/E design team, to develop
a new facility with state-of-the-art laboratories, integrated teaching
spaces and a research greenhouse. Our initial challenge was to
review available alternatives for the desired facility: reuse and
renovation, new construction, or a combination of both new construction
as well as renovation of some existing facilities.
We performed a thorough facility assessment of the two existing
buildings collaborating and communicating in detail with the architect
and the many stakeholders involved. The project team developed
an optimized solution to first build a brand new Integrated Science
Building (ISB), move occupants in to the new space, then renovate
Greene Hall for future and additional science department needs.
The phasing plan minimizes disruption to class scheduling and reduces
the number of costly moves required.
Our MEP infrastructure design supports flexible laboratory environments,
as well as energy conservation and sustainability. Significant
engineering features include:  The Mechanical Room
- 6 of 8 air handling units provide 100% outside air
to insure safe and comfortable environment for research and education.
- Two separate heat recovery systems support energy conservation
by capturing energy from heated air before exhausting air outside.
- Laboratory ventilation is provided with two position controls to
allow for occupied and unoccupied operation.
- Summer boiler provides steam service for laboratory and classroom
requirements during summer operation when campus steam is not
available.
- Dedicated steam boiler generates clean steam for humidification
to maintain comfortable indoor environment, achieving a better
learning climate.
- Innovative smoke exhaust system is designed to maintain safe egress
conditions in the main atrium and other exit paths.
- Greenhouse is provided with reliable climate control and irrigation,
utilizing special shading, heating, cooling and humidification
controls to deliver various climate zones within one building.
SUNY Geneseo was counting on the A/E design team to deliver a
strong facility that offers flexibility for integrated learning
and achieves sustainable levels set by Executive Order 111. We
not only helped the client achieve their original vision, but also
joined them in embracing green design. The university is now one
of the first institutions in New York State to achieve – and
exceed – Executive Order 111 standards.
SUNY Geneseo had high expectations for their new building, with
tight budget and space constraints to meet. It was truly a team
effort among the architects, engineers, the university and its
science departments, and construction professionals to make this
project successful.
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