University of Southern Maine
Science Building C300

Higher Education:
Laboratory

This 21st Century lab and collaborative learning space provides students with an enhanced learning environment while encouraging teamwork among students and faculty. Through “live” 3D digital design sessions with the lab users, the Lavallee Brensinger design team presented, discussed, and explored multiple layout options to allow users to clearly understand the space from both the professor and student perspectives. The key to the design is the ergonomically configured, oval shaped “Bean Table” which encourages collaboration among each group of four students. The layout allows clear line-of-site between students and lab instructor, promoting ease of interaction and supervision. The Bean Table design provides ample and accessible work surface incorporating a reagent shelf, electrical, water, and gasses at the bench top level, and casework below for storage.

Transparency through punched openings incorporated into the corridor wall offers “science-on-display.” Energy saving features include high efficiency LED lighting and low flow fume hoods. This new lab allows the university the flexibility of hosting a variety of functions including undergraduate research, STEM programs, and collaborative community studies.