News

March 2009

Columbia University chosen in 2009 Lab of the Year competition

Columbia University's Gary C. Comer Geochemistry Building has been named the top winner in the 2009 Laboratory of the Year (LOY) competition. The new 70,000 square-foot facility is located on Columbia's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Campus in Palisades, New York.

The building houses extensive lab space directly supporting R&D that advances our understanding of climate change. Home to more than 70 geochemists who investigate all aspects of the planet, the lab focuses on the dynamics of the earth, circulation of the oceans and atmosphere, and transport of materials via wind and water. In recent years, much of this group's research has taken a place at the forefront of climate science.

Positioned dramatically overlooking the Hudson River, the Comer Geochemistry Building supports numerous specialized mass spectroscopy, geochemistry, and instrument-based labs. Designed by Payette of Boston, the building is situated to minimize its visual impact on such an exposed setting. Payette's design successfully provides an abundance of natural light and invigorating river valley views while still addressing the practical needs of a high technology laboratory.

Torcon was construction manager for the Columbia Geochemistry Building, working under a guaranteed maximum price contract. The project was completed under an accelerated fast-track schedule to meet the University's commitment to the Comer family for its dedication. Torcon has been CM for three previous Lab of the Year facilities: the Novartis (Ciba) Life Science Building (designed by Mitchell/Giurgola Architects); Schering-Plough's QC laboratory (designed by Stetson Harza); and the International Center for Public Health (design by CUH2A.)

The Lab of the Year program is now in its 43rd year and is sponsored by R&D Magazine and SEFA, the Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association. The project selected to win the top award each year is an architecturally distinguished facility whose overall quality is recognized by the judges. The judges evaluate more than 30 different characteristics of each nominated project.