How Can Design Improve DC's Criminal Investigations?

The Consolidated Forensic Laboratory combines DC’s public safety forensic science and public health efforts into one state-of-the-art, LEED Platinum building.

The new lab building represents a coming of age for forensic science as it evolves from basic police work into an independent science requiring intense scrutiny and rigor. In this facility, the city can coordinate crime, public safety and health investigations to help law enforcement officials solve crimes quickly and efficiently.

Working with many agencies and stakeholders, the design team developed common protocols and functional relationships to create a universally adaptable research model that promotes interdisciplinary interaction, maintains strict chain-of-custody integrity and delivers high-performance technical space for science.

Labs are located along the north side, allowing for natural light without significant heat gain in these mechanically sensitive spaces. Building core and lab support spaces are in the center. Office spaces are on the south side, with a full-height curtain wall that takes advantage of natural light.

The building satisfies the stringent safety and reliability requirements of a first-responder facility while being designed for LEED Platinum certification. In addition to the glazed solar shading system and a high-efficiency curtain wall, sustainable features include an efficient HVAC system with chilled beams and energy recovery air handling units. Runoff from the green roof and remaining hardscape goes to a cistern sized for a 100-year storm. The water is used for cooling tower make-up, reducing annual potable water consumption by more than 2 million gallons.