Hobbs + Black Architects has provided continuous strategic master planning, programming, design, and capital budget development for a wide a range of facilities issues at the Borgess Medical Center.

The goals and objectives of the pathology and lab directors and their staffs were formulated and expressed in a technical development planning document.  This extensive planning effort integrated all technical criteria, including codes, future state-of-the-art standards, operational work design issues, aggressive production goals, security, service to 27 outlying service centers, and the relocation of dedicated computer support services.

Major new HVAC and utility support systems required complex phasing within existing mechanical rooms.  Innovative vertical risers, coordinated with all lab equipment and service requirements were also designed.

State of the art simulation tools were employed to study the effects of natural and artificial lighting in the lab spaces in order to minimize glare and shadows on work-surfaces and computer screens.  The resulting solution provides near optimal lighting conditions and meets all national standards for lab lighting.  This project was highlighted in the 1997 American Institute of Architect's Facilities Design Review.