The Users’ Perspective

Safe, Successful and Sustainable Laboratories

Queen’s University, Belfast - Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology

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QuickTime™ and a decompressorare needed to see this picture.QuickTime™ and a decompressorare needed to see this picture.QuickTime™ and a decompressorare needed to see this picture.The Users’ Perspective

Patricia WhiteChief Technician & Building Liaison Officer

Queen’s University Belfast





History• 1996

– New 150m2 laboratory on University Floor, Belfast City Hospital• Radiation laboratory• Tissue culture work carried out in Whitla Medical Building

• A clinical and basic science cancer research programme created

• 1999 – ~230m2 laboratory development on University floor

• included 105m2 Tissue Culture Laboratory (6 safety cabinets)

• Haematology Research moved to University Floor, Belfast City Hospital

• Agreement with the National Cancer Institute of the United States

• Collaborations with other cancer research organisations, national and international

• 2000 – 50m2 Extra Laboratory Fitout

• New associations between research groups within Queen’s University – a “research centre”





History 2

Cancer Research Centre members from

• Chemistry & Chemical Engineering• Mathematics & Physics• Pharmacy• Biological Sciences





History 3• 2003

– MBC laboratory refurbished and populated

• Northern Ireland Cancer Centre under construction at Belfast City Hospital





Northern Ireland Cancer Centre





History 3• 2003



• New building for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, planned





Aspirations • A high quality signature building to facilitate the

development of world class cancer research• Attractive to researchers from around the world to

work in• Complement the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre• A positive addition to the architecture of Queen’s

University Belfast





History 3• 2003



• New building for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, planned

• Boswell Mitchell and Johnston appointed architects. Malcolm McLean lead architect.





Outline Plan• A building that was pleasant to work in – a

dynamic and engaging environment• Laboratories• Offices• Meeting Rooms• Areas for interaction and communication• Large store to serve whole building





Secondary Laboratory Area• Tissue Culture Laboratories including a

Containment Level 3 laboratory• Equipment Rooms• Cold Rooms• Microscope Rooms• Stores• Dark Rooms• Radiochemical Laboratories• Wash-up, Autoclave Room





History 4• 2005

– CCRCB construction started August

• 2007– CCRCB completed and research started during

the first week of July

– Official opening of CCRCB November





Typical Floor Plan





Some Comments from Researchers - 1

• In general I would say the building is very successful. The big multigroup lab is good for interaction, as are the coffee areas in each floor. Everything is nice and bright which is a plus for me, and creates a nice environment to work in. The layout of the labs works well for the most part. My one problem would be the size of our tissue culture lab which is a bit small.

• On the energy saving issue, maybe if the lights in the corridors etc

were on motion sensor it would help at weekends as people aren’t good about turning off lights.

• Something we like: The brightness, and natural light and environmentally friendly solar panels and water collection. Something we don't like: Not enough female toilets





Some Comments from Researchers -2

• I like the separate offices, I like the way the instrument room is separate from the main lab, I like the stores being handy. I don't like having a small coffee area on each floor - I think it is in the wrong place. It’s disruptive for those that are in the big office next to it!! I feel it keeps floors from mixing (and reduces collaboration) One large eating area would be more beneficial as far as science goes!

• Overall I think the building is very well designed. I like the central staircase & the glass roof & the brightness that brings in. The labs are well laid out with the student room beside it & the freezer rooms etc running off the main walkway in the lab. What could be improved on is the number of women’s toilets! (I think everyone agrees here!)

• As you know I have been enthusiastic about the building all the way through. It is a pleasure to work in and I particularly like the brightness of the building and the easy access to colleagues on the same floor and vertically. Everyone involved should be congratulated in turning a dream into a reality.





Official opening of CCRCB

The Users’ Perspective

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