'Standard' Lab Specifications Need Rethinking, Architect Says

The article, "'Industry Standard' Lab Specifications Need Rethinking, Architect Says" is from The Chronicle of Higher Education by Lawrence Biemiller; registration may be required to view:

Chicago — Rethinking “industry standard” specifications for lighting, ventilation, and other design elements could significantly improve science buildings’ sustainability — and save institutions millions in construction and operating costs — according to an architect with years of experience designing colleges’ science facilities.

James H. Collins, president of Payette Associates Inc., said during a presentation at the SCUP conference here that the industry standards were in some cases nothing more than “received wisdom” handed down over decades, rather than requirements supported by data. Even so, he said, persuading a designer to specify levels below the industry standard was difficult.