Matthew O. Diggs III Laboratory for Life Science Research

Diggs III Laboratory

Diggs III Laboratory

Project Description

Wright State University has collaborated with BHDP Architecture and Heapy Engineering to construct a new 45,000 square-foot sciences building. Research laboratories typically consume four times more energy than a normal classroom building. Therefore, Wright State University has decided to use LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) as a guide in constructing Bio-Sciences III using energy-efficient practices that are at the forefront of "green" building design. This facility will be one of the first university research laboratories registered under LEED in the State of Ohio. In addition to energy reduction the building will conserve water, create an sustainable indoor environment, improve occupant comfort, and above all teach students and visitors about environmental stewardship. Highlights of these green building technologies include:

1. Approximately 30% reduction in water use by implementing waterless urinals and low flow lavatories and other plumbing fixtures.
2. A significant reduction in heat island effect by using an Energy Star based roof and minimizing the use of impervious surfaces.
3. Day lighting is available to 75% of occupied space within the building through the extensive use of vertical glazing.
4. Sunshading devices that help to manage solar gain
5. Low VOC emitting adhesives and sealants, paints, carpet, and composite wood are used throughout.
6. At least 75% of the waste created from construction/demolition will be recycled or salvaged and therefore diverted from disposal in landfills and incinerators.
7. Energy consumption will be reduced through the use of heat recovery, efficient HVAC equipment, and increased insulation.
8. The building will provide continuous accountability of energy consumption over time through measurement and verification to the building users.

For more information on the LEED program please visit http://www.usgbc.org/

For information on the registered project details with the U.S. Green Building Council please click here

For information from the Labs for the 21st Century web site please click here

Diggs % for Art Project

"Double Helix: Flowing Balance" by Jon Barlow Hudson

Jon Barlow Hudson will design, create and install a sculpture entitled "Double Helix: Flowing Balance" in the area outside the new Matthew O. Diggs III Laboratory for Life Science Research.

The double helix design is an abstracted reference to the highly important DNA molecular structure. It is a critical discovery and its form is inherently universal both in its meaning and in its reference to nature and to fluid dynamics, which is so all-important in both living and non-living systems throughout nature on all levels. Jon Barlow Hudson has researched the subject of bio-sciences and read about them and the history thereof; of how they have developed to the point where they are today. The double helix has a unique and universal, possibly even archetypal, fascination and symbolic energy.

Jon Barlow Hudson chose the dodecahedron with which to construct the helix because of his interest in geometric forms and appreciation of the Platonic solids. Jon Barlow Hudson was able to create his own interpretation of the helical dynamic in such a way that it would function within the given parameters of the project site.

The sculpture will be fabricated in stainless steel with a sanded/burnished surface to reflect light. The vertices will be one foot. The sculpture will be tall enough to walk through and sit on – approximately 9 feet tall, 9 feet wide by 22 feet long.