New York State Office of General Services

The New York State Psychiatric Institute is a hub of medical research, with research laboratories spread across the upper levels of the 140,000-sf, 15-story facility. The Institute is currently renovating many of these labs, including the animal research wet labs located on the 6th floor.

The design team retrofitted the existing layout to suit the specific needs of two principal investigators by creating open laboratory spaces, common facilities, shared offices and private research spaces. The renovated space creates a more collaborative work environment between the investigating teams within an upgraded, code-compliant facility.

The gut renovation provides a new HVAC system, upgrade of electrical distribution, and plumbing and fire protection systems. The laboratories are organized in a modular grid and are negatively pressurized to ensure integrity of lab processes. The new labs are outfitted with the following to support the unique requirements of animal research:

• Large open lab area with case work and new fume hoods
• Tissue culture room
• Electrophysiology area
• 2-P Microscopy/microscope room
• Cryostat and vibratome equipment
• Specimen freezer and cold room storage
• Chemical storage/gas cylinder room
• Conference room
• Research writeup area
• Extensive IT connectivity

The project will target LEED Silver certification, incorporating energy-efficient systems, sustainable building materials and environmentally conscious design strategies to minimize the environmental impact of the renovation.