Engineering Inc. - May/June 2008 - 29

honorAWArds h Large Animal Housing and Training Center, Ames, Iowa Merrick & Company—Aurora, Colo. A new state-of-the-art animal research facility is a critical weapon against potential bioterrorism. The facilities will be used to study deadly animal pathogens—as five of the six most deadly biothreat agents worldwide are found in animals. The design allows scientists and veterinarians to safely conduct research on a variety of endemic and zoonatic diseases—those which are communicable to humans from animals under natural conditions. The new 153,000-square-foot complex features elaborate air-filtration systems, air-tight animal housing quarters, horizontal and vertical containment barriers, flushable flooring systems, special carcass disposal and effluent decontamination systems. h Dr. Hudspeth Ear Cell Laboratory, New York, N.Y. AKF Engineers—New York, N.Y. A pioneering marriage of science and engineering has resulted in a state-of-the-art ear research facility that one day may lead to inventions that will eliminate the need for hearing aids. Ear cells are extremely sensitive and require any advanced research to be performed in an environment free of acoustic or magnetic interference. The project team designed an “isolation” test chamber featuring an inner box—which absorbs ambient noise—and an outer box—which shields magnetic fields. Stringent quietness criteria also required special high-static pressure acoustic air silencers and draft-free ceiling diffusers. The result is a world-class testing chamber that allows scientists to perform experiments that otherwise could not be achieved. h National Armed Forces Center for the Intrepid, Fort Sam Houston, Texas Syska Hennessy Group—Fairfax, Va. A state-of-the-art rehabilitation complex at Fort Sam Houston addresses a serious shortage of facilities available to treat severely injured soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan. The project team provided mechanical and electrical design for a broad array of leading-edge rehabilitation systems including a computerized gait laboratory, a prosthetics fabrication lab, swimming and wave pools, and a Computer-Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN)—a 21-foot simulator dome with a 300-degree screen where rehabilitative virtual realities are displayed. Today, the center provides treatment for hundreds of severely wounded soldiers. h Eleanor Schonell Bridge, Brisbane, Australia International Bridge Technologies—San Diego, Calif. Australia’s first bridge solely dedicated to bus, pedestrian, and cycle transportation also provides a critical passage over the Brisbane River connecting Dutton Park and the University of Queensland—previously serviced only by ferry. The cable-stayed 1,280-foot Eleanor Schonell Bridge features several ecologically sustainable design features, such as solar panels to collect energy for night lighting and the “smart” collection and treatment of storm water. The bridge is a charming addition to the Brisbane region which also eases traffic congestion and reduces vehicle emissions. Motorists no longer have to travel longer routes to and from the university. MAY / JUNE 2008 ENGINEERING INC. 29

Engineering Inc. - May/June 2008

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