Facility Design

State-of-the-Science Crime Lab Blooms in Garden State

A one-stop crime-fighting laboratory opened last year in New Jersey. We asked Thomas Brettell, Director of the Office of Forensic Sciences, what makes it unique.


The State of American Crime Labs, 2006

When it comes to the state of the crime lab, it’s hard to imagine a subject where there is a greater gap between public perception and reality.


Construction Safety for Those on the Sidelines

There is one aspect of the design and execution of a project that we as “safety guys” find often stirs up more business for us than one might expect. This is the protection of building occupants and people in public areas adjacent to the construction activities.


Focus on Forensic Facilities

I believe the best way to enhance the forensic industry is to learn from each other, pressing forward together as the industry advances.


Beware of that Old Abandoned Building: A Guide to Remodeling

Most cities and towns have experienced periods of time where buildings in their communities, for whatever reason, have become abandoned, later to be either remodeled for a different use or demolished to make room for something new.


ISO 17025 and the Effect on Forensic Facility Design

In the forensic industry, if a new standard could reduce doubt in the courtroom and enhance scientific analysis, every director would want to implement it into their laboratory. ISO 17025 accreditation does just that.


Forensic Facility Design

Good facility planning and the proper solutions for HVAC systems credit today's successful forensic facilities. Together they support modern forensic laboratories by providing comfort for lab occupants and an environment that supports scientific investigation.


Safety First

In this column we will address some of the most common Environmental, Health & Safety questions that arise during the design process.


Current Biological Containment Design Standards for Medical Examiner Facilities

Every medical examiner’s office faces the challenge of discovering the unknown threat from mass causalities or a single entity. This should give you pause to consider how your facility can better prepare you to deal with unknown threats.


The Answer to a Criminalist's Prayers

The St. Louis Police Department's new forensic lab is a textbook case of a lab that is safe, secure, and prepared for what comes next in solving crimes.


The Benefits of Partnerships

How multiple agencies are coming together by pooling their resources, talents, and issues in order to create a comprehensive solution for the future.


Design for Forensic Facilities, Part 2

As we continue the exploration of design issues for forensic facilities, we will address room pressurization and air flow direction, improving facility operation and maintenance, and saving energy and resources.


Forensic Lab Renovation

Any building can be renovated into a crime lab, if you throw enough money at it. The problem is that you have very little money and must spend it wisely.


Trail of Evidence: Programming a Clear and Secure Pathway

Following "trail of evidence" will highlight some specific steps related to security, contamination, and safety that should be clarified during the programming stage.


Designing Open Laboratory Spaces

Rapid changes in laboratory instrumentation and forensic science methodologies, as well as increased case loads, have made a more flexible and open laboratory environment a goal.


Designing a Unique Facility for Fallen U.S. Soldiers

In the design and construction community, there is an ongoing focus on strengthening security and facilities to preserve critical operations and protect lives.