The Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Building at UT Southwestern Medical Center (UTSWMC) represents a significant milestone in collaborative educational environments and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. This project, involving a 150,000 square-foot, five-story building, serves as a cutting-edge teaching lab for both UTSWMC and University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) students. Located on the East Campus of UTSWMC and designated as building “EA,” this facility is a testament to innovative design, sustainability, and technological advancement in the field of biomedical engineering and sciences.
The HVAC system, a critical component of the building’s infrastructure, is designed to ensure optimal air quality and energy efficiency. It features two variable air volume air handling units with a capacity of 85,000 CFM each, serving the entire building. The lab exhaust system comprises four 40,000 CFM fans in a manifold configuration, enhanced by an energy recovery coil to maximize efficiency. Additionally, the building’s temperature control is supported by three 350-ton air-cooled chillers and four 1830 MBH boilers, ensuring a comfortable environment for students and faculty year-round.
A notable aspect of the project was the testing and balancing (TAB) scope, which covered a diverse array of teaching labs equipped with fume hoods and snorkels. The project also included the balance and verification of the domestic hot water return system, further emphasizing the detailed and comprehensive approach to the building’s functionality.
This project marked the inaugural use of a new version of the Siemens DXR control system and Desigo control graphics on the UTSWMC campus. The introduction of these advanced systems required a collaborative effort among our TAB team, the Commissioning (Cx) team, the control contractor, and the owner to address the challenges associated with implementing new technology. Through proactive engagement and expertise, the teams navigated the complexities of the new control systems, ensuring they met the owner’s expectations and the end users’ needs.
A pivotal aspect of the project’s success was the early identification of concerns related to equipment selection and control concepts. This preemptive approach allowed for timely resolutions, minimizing potential impacts on the project schedule. EAB’s foresight and collaborative problem-solving played a crucial role in maintaining the project timeline and ensuring the building’s systems were optimized for performance and reliability.
Making the Difference for UT Southwestern Medical Center
The completion of the Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Building at UT Southwestern Medical Center stands as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. This facility not only enhances the educational landscape for UTSWMC and UTD students but also sets new standards for laboratory design and environmental sustainability. Through diligent planning, technological innovation, and a commitment to excellence, the project team overcame challenges and delivered a facility that will contribute to the advancement of biomedical engineering and sciences for years to come. This project underscores the importance of early engagement, teamwork, and the willingness to embrace new technologies in achieving success in complex, high-stakes environments.
The UT Southwestern Biomedical Engineering and Sciences project was successful because of the passion shared by the EAB TAB and Cx teams and the coordination of the general contractor. Everyone truly felt part of a team that was striving to provide the best facility for an owner that shares the same passion when it comes to students and future research. – Jason Hauska, P.E., TBE
