Vivarium Renovation: Avoid the Common Pitfalls
By George Kemper, Larry DiGennaro
All renovation planning can benefit from following a checklist of efficient energy and operationally attainable goals.
Environmental Procurement: Thinking Beyond the Project
By Jeffrey R. Zynda
Environmental procurement can reduce operating costs, reduce the impact vivarium facilities can have on the environment, and promote sustainability and waste reduction.
Understanding Key Issues Affecting Long-term Wall System Performance
By Jim Hendley
Impact, thermal shock, abrasion, chemical staining agents, water exposure, and UV lights are a few of the things that can damage vivarium walls. Selecting the right high performance coating can improve the appearance and longevity of wall finishes in these demanding environments.
APHIS Containment Facilities
By Carl C. Schultz, P.E.
The United States Department of Agriculture operates the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) that among other things, issues Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) permits for facilities that intend to receive organisms that are known to harm plants and animals.
Laboratory Design to Support Marine Animals
By S. Keith Bailey, AIA, LEED AP
Designing science laboratories that support healthy marine animals requires environmental alignment with dynamic seawater coastlines, presenting numerous issues for architects and engineers.
Noise & Vibration Considerations for the Animal Lab Environment
By Randall Rozema
Sound plays a vital role in society as the mechanism by which hearing is made possible through pressure waves. Unfortunately, if the sound pressure levels get too high, there is a negative impact on animals and structures.
Sanitation Chemicals for Laboratory Animal Science
By Amy Ingraham, BA, RTLAG, F. E. Lynch, K. B. Shapiro
In laboratory animal science, there are visible soils (proteinaceous soil, urine scale, oils, etc.) and a myriad of microbial clutter that, while not visible to the naked eye, are extremely important to eradicate from the environment.
A Look at Vivarium Walls and Ceilings
By Ned Leverage
Flooring has demanded so much attention in recent years that we tend to forget about the rest of the vivarium finishes. It’s time we examined our position with other interior finishes, as an industry.
Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory Checklist
By Carl C. Schultz, P.E.
A look at biosafety laboratories and a framework for their evaluation using a checklist.
Design and Accreditation
By Dr. John Miller, Dr. Kathryn Bayne, Dr. Jim Swearengen
What resource is the most appropriate to use and the most well-defined for insuring that the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design will qualify for AAALAC accreditation?
Vivarium Forum
By Chris Cosgrove
In visiting some vivarium facilities, I am disappointed at how inadequately some rooms are sealed. Lights, electrical receptacles, and doors are typically overlooked; sealant is applied after the fact creating sloppy installations.
Designing for Maximum Flexibility in a Multi-Specie Vivarium
By Eric D. Joesten , Steph Vargas
At a new 222,000 square foot vivarium in the southern United States, planning, design, and engineering strategies were integrated to create a flexible office and research facility. The design concepts and solutions developed for this confidential client can be applied to capitalize on vivarium design flexibility.
Vivarium Finishes: Pay Attention to Detail
By Sean P. Cuddahy, AIA
Finishes in a vivarium play a very important role in creating a stable environment and protecting the health of the animals contained there. Finishes help prevent vermin infestation, keep surfaces free of contaminants, and provide a durable layer to protect building materials from everyday wear and tear
Animal Facility Commissioning Complications
By Kenyon W. Kirk, GC, LATG, SRS, Peggy Shen, BS
Four years after building a new animal facility, the authors reflect on the process of commissioning the physical plant of a now AAALAC-accredited animal facility and the complications that arose. Here, they share their experiences and solutions, which might be of some benefit to other groups in the process of animal facility commissioning.