MEPIS was commissioned to provide the Architectual, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection (MEP/FP) construction designs for the University of Chicago Medicine & Biological Sciences. The project involved the renovation and conversion of the unique high-ceilinged space in the sub-basement of the FMI building into the new 3,000 square foot electron microscopy core. The new Core facility will contain a suite of state-of-the art microscopes including the ThermoFischer Krios G3i, Aquilos, and Apreo VS with space for a future Krios type microscope. Challenges in this project included, vibration analysis and assessment, electromagnetic interference mitigation, space limitations, existing conditions, and the creation of a new independent HVAC system dedicated to meeting the precise environmental demands of each of the microscopes. In addition, an advanced dual stage fire suppression system consisting of a clean agent and pre-action systems was required to protect the microscopes. The project represents the first step in a multi-phase plan to move the entire electron microscopy core, currently housed in the Gordon Center, over to the FMI building.
