Boston University Life Sciences Building Boston, Massachusetts www.bu.edu

In order to augment Boston University's reputation as one of the finest collegiate research facilities in the country, this expansion of the science facilities already consolidated on the University's Charles River campus will house research laboratories for new programs in biology, chemistry and biomedical technology.

Planning a research facility located at the heart of Boston University on a site directly adjacent to existing science buildings has obvious benefits. The primary objective of the new science facility is to provide an interdisciplinary approach to research activities. In an effort to promote a highly interactive approach to biochemistry and molecular biological research, the users have requested a flexible lab design which allows chemists to explore biological systems and biologists to understand living chemistry, thereby providing an opportunity for mutual understanding between disciplines. Divisions will be made according research interests and not necessarily along departmental lines. The major planning obstacle to this approach will be creating a flexible laboratory design for a variety of very specialized/specific uses demanded by both groups.

Preliminary program and plans for the development indicate a 10-story, 210,000 gross square feet building. The typical biology lab group includes 10-12 researchers, mostly graduate and post doctoral students. NMR and MRI facilities are segregated at the building's top floor for life safety reasons.

Clare, Randall-Smith & Associates Limited was retained to provide mechanical and electrical cost consulting services throughout the design phase up to bid document level estimates.