Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Science’s new LEED platinum building captured an Honorable Mention in R&D Magazine’s 48th Laboratory of the Year Awards.
Designed by Perkins+Will and WBRC Architects and Engineers, this was one of only four projects from around the world to be honored.
The award was presented at the 2014 Laboratory Design Conference April 3, at the Westin Waltham Boston Hotel in Massachusetts.
This annual international competition recognizes excellence in laboratory design, planning and construction from the best new and renovated laboratories.
Bigelow Laboratory’s open, airy design on a hill overlooking the Damariscotta River in East Boothbay joins an impressive field of excellence in design. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Energy System Integration Facility in Golden, Colo. was selected as laboratory of the year.
Penn State University Eva J. Pell Laboratory for Advanced Biological Studies in University Park, Penn. and Washington State University, SRG Veterinary and Biomedical Research Building in Pullman, Wash. received High Honors.
“We’ve been in the laboratory now for a little over a year and it has exceeded our expectations,” said Graham Shimmield, executive director of the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences.
“The space is highly functional, energy efficient, and provides for a fantastic integrated work environment with state-of-the-art facilities. Perkins+Will also took full advantage of the Laboratory’s location, providing inspiring water views for our ocean researchers,” Dr. Shimmield said.
“Bigelow researchers are unraveling the complex relationships between our oceans and the role they play in the overall health of our planet. All of us on the design team committed ourselves to creating uniquely-effective buildings and spaces that would inspire the scientists, enhance collaborations and help accelerate all aspects of the discovery process,” said Gary Shaw, project principal with Perkins+Will.
A blue ribbon panel of architects, engineers, equipment suppliers, researchers and the editors of R&D Magazine, Laboratory Design newsletter and co-sponsor SEFA judged this year’s competition.
Judging was performed in the offices of Advantage Business Media in Elk Grove Village, Ill., Feb. 20. Award winners will be written up in the June 2014 issue of R&D Magazine. Information on the 2014 Lab Design Conference program is available at http://www.labdesignconference.com.
Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences conducts research ranging from microbial oceanography to large-scale ocean processes that affect the global environment. For more information, visit http://www.bigelow.org.
The project was managed by Perkins+Will’s Boston office in partnership with WBRC of Bangor. For more information on the Perkins+Will Boston office, visit http://www.perkinswill.com/offices/boston.html.
WBRC Architects/Engineers is one of the largest and most experienced architecture, engineering, and planning firms in Maine. Founded in 1902, WBRC has an extensive portfolio of projects across all sectors, including education, nonprofit, municipal, commercial, healthcare, and research. For more information, visit http://www.wbrcae.com.
