R&D Magazine has named the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University as its 2006 Laboratory of the Year. The award recognizes newly built industrial, government, and academic laboratories that exemplify innovative design.

In an occurrence rare for this award, the Biodesign Institute received unanimous approval in the first round of voting.

"The other laboratories that were entered were very good in their own right, but the Biodesign Institute was just an overwhelmingly strong candidate." said Tim Studt, Editor-in-Chief of R&D Magazine.

Located on ASU's Tempe campus, the Biodesign Institute is Arizona's largest single investment in research infrastructure to date. Its design features four interconnected buildings—two already completed—surrounding a central atrium. The institute's interior is marked by the use of glass to create a large, unified space.

Another ASU research structure, Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building II, received R&D's "High Honors" designation.

Laboratories eligible for consideration must have been newly constructed and are evaluated according to the following criteria: site plans; traffic flow; flow of materials; plant operation; aesthetics; working conditions; suitability for type of research performed; lab design; office design/location; furnishings; study and meeting facilities; opportunities for collaboration and idea exchange; energy efficiency; cost to build; and cost to operate. Criteria considered essential include safety for lab and office personnel, hazard control, and access for people with disabilities.

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For more information:

The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University

R&D Magazine