University biological laboratories

Abstract

The character of a space 1S defined by its relationship with the specific environment. Laboratory accommodation may broadly be defined either as specialised, in the sense that it 1S generated by a particular piece of furniture or equipment, or as General in the sense that it is suitable for a wide variety of disciplines as well as widely varying techniques within each discipline , The University has proposed to put up the following facilities at Chiromo campus:- 2 General teaching laboratories with their Ancillaries, 2,Lecture theatres, Post-graduate laboratory, I Physiology laboratory, offices-cum-laboratories, I Electron microscope room, Radio Isotope laboratory and Photo laboratory each with the necessary ancillaries. The facilities are to house the biological sciences. The proposal is related to the existing Zoology/Botany Block through a covered walkway. The overall relationship with other buildings is achieved by pedestrian malls and courtyards that flow into each other . 1he project shows some uniqueness compared to the existing structures because of the-way it is serviced and the system upon which it is evolved. It is able to grow by repeating itself linearly. This concept allows for a new unit to come up without affecting the existing units. The only modification to the system is when special facilities electron microscope are required. The site bounded by Gecaga Institute, the Zoology Botany block and the I.C.I.P.E. buildings, steeply slopes towards the river. The rock surface 1S very near the top soil. The site is reached by two distinct routes; by road from the river side drive and by pedestrians from the halls through the University sportsground._ Servicing forms the skeleton of the laboratory, It has determined the structure by using double columns. Provisions are made for heavier servicing in the event of expansion. Because of servicing, maintenance and adaptability, services should be kept away from the structure. The basic services required are:- Water, Electricity , Compressed air, Gas, Telephone and Waste Water disposal. I have provided removable panels covering the services so that they can be removed and repairs made to the piping. The internal layout is such that the user can make changes with little qualified manpower. In the large teaching laboratory, it is done by use of sliding pannels . The division walls are not structural end has no lnstallation in them. The integration of components is kept to a minimum Surface installation for elec1-ricity is recommended so that changes are made without complications. Cost is usually a major problem in :the building industry. Because of the investiment that goes in the laboratories, we do not think much about the adaptability of the spaces. In the case of adaptability the services will remain, but drawers and storage units are stored elsewhere and the room used for other purposes. Flexibility therefore should be given attention in the design of educational buildings all the time.