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Boston University Laboratories

An important link in the nation’s biodefense efforts, the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratories support the research and development for countermeasures against hazardous biological agents. One of two national biocontainment laboratories funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), the facility focuses on clinical and translational research and biological agents in BSL2, BSL3, & BSL4 laboratories. Smith Carter developed innovative engineering and design solutions which will enable several independent research programs to function effectively within the 190,000 gsf biocontainment facility.

The design is based upon a central model featuring aerobiology suites, BSL4 advanced imaging and biomolecule production and specimen processing capabilities. These specialized cores are a first in the containment environment. They accommodate the latest in scientific equipment and will leverage the advancement of infectious disease vaccines, therapeutic development and diagnostics research.

Smith Carter pioneered the development of a new mist suppression system following ground-breaking quantified analysis of fire hazards and risk in high containment laboratories. The team’s research allowed the introduction and regulatory acceptance of the system instead of a traditional sprinkler system, reducing the risk of equipment damage, biohazard and loading of effluent decontamination systems.

The innovative design will support the facilities mission to establish a research facility with the highest attention to community and laboratory safety and security.