Marine and Coastal Science Research & Instructional Center
Savannah, GA
Lord, Aeck & Sargent provided programming, site evaluation, design and construction administration for a research and instructional center at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (SkIO). SkIO’s new research center provided much needed research lab space to support the center’s mission — “to provide the State of Georgia with a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence in marine science”.
Located on a 5-acre site adjacent to its existing administration/ laboratory building, the new facility includes flexible, high-tech research labs, administrative support for principal researchers and technical staff, and a multi-use conference facility. Critical to the success of the research center, the new facility:
- Respects the unique and sensitive natural environment
- Maintains as much open space as possible to support a “rural campus”
- Provides high tech research space
- Establishes an Architectural vocabulary for the research campus
The building is one-story in height and raised 4’-6’ above the existing grade to be above surrounding flood plain elevation. Exterior materials were selected for durability and to be compatible with existing buildings on the campus. Interior materials were selected for durability and flexibility. All systems were selected in the context of sustainable design principles, focusing on energy efficiency and environmental sensitivity.
The center is LEED Gold certified.
