Fashion Institute of Technology Alabs

New York, USA

Located in Midtown Manhattan, the State University of New York Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) campus includes eight academic and support buildings, and two residential dormitories. The ALabs project required the extensive renovation of existing university spaces for laboratory use. Due to its urban environment, FIT is a vertical campus with different academic programs consigned to each building.

Buro Happold was employed to provide structural and MEP engineering services for a space rehabilitation within FIT’s Buildings A & C. This incorporated developing efficient energy systems and state of the art technology for new, diverse laboratories. The design of the project’s 72,000sq.ft of lab space encompasses four floors.

Challenge

Buro Happold’s main challenge was to provide structural support for the installation of new building systems, updating the infrastructure of the 1950s era constructions. To accommodate new ducting and equipment loading, both buildings required modifications, with features integrated carefully to maximize usable lab space.

Solution

Our team fed MEP equipment through existing steam and chilled water plants, with air handling units and lab hood exhaust fans moved to the roof to create further space. Buro Happold worked closely with the architect to design updated laboratories that were energy efficient, environmentally friendly and flexible for future technologies.

As well as usable space, our experts also maximized value by reusing existing infrastructure and was responsible for the detailing of design excellence in the labs. This created great spaces for fashion, textile and jewelry design, advertising and marketing communications, all of which support the FIT brand.

Value

The project saw Buro Happold develop successful solutions to space, value and sustainability problems, creating a building that promotes the institute’s core values. This modern facility fits perfectly within the existing academic complex, setting a new precedent for design and comfort on campus.