PLATINUM AWARD: Genetics Laboratory, Smithsonian Institution, National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C.

Building Design+Construction
By BD+C Staff

Constructed in 1970, the 4,150-sf Genetics Laboratory at the National Zoological Park had become inadequate for researchers’ needs because the existing floor area was inefficient for their multi-step research and documentation processes. Collaborating researchers were also located more than a mile away, and the building was situated within the flood plain of Rock Creek. Periodically, flooding would close the lab, endangering collections and equipment, while disrupting experiments.

In 2008, Smithsonian officials decided to relocate the lab to a vacant animal holding facility nearer to colleagues on Research Hill. The proposed facility was structurally solid, and above the flood plain. However, the building’s interiors and systems were in disrepair, and the available floor area was much less than in the previous facility.

Click to read full article