Expanding Operations on an Active R&D Campus
Chi-Huey Wong Laboratories for Biomedical Research | San Diego, California
Spanning 83,000-sq.-ft., the Chi-Huey Wong Laboratories for Biomedical Research fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between chemical and life sciences, supporting drug discovery research. It also creates space for additional laboratory teams, paving the way for future faculty and research endeavors aimed at developing new therapies and medical breakthroughs
About the
Project
The Chi-Huey Wong Laboratories is one of the largest facilities at
Scripps Research, designed to meet LEED Silver certification for
sustainability. It includes eco-friendly features such as
drought-tolerant landscaping, outdoor seating, EV charging stations,
water-efficient systems, and a reflective "cool roof."
The project included two linear phases of work on an active,
congested Torrey Pines site. The first involved demolishing existing NMR
buildings and constructing a new 705-stall parking structure and
central plant; the second added the new two-story lab/office building
constructed where the former parking lot stood. Early engagement with
stakeholders and subcontractors was key to streamlining project
delivery.
DPR's proactive involvement in procurement and coordination of items expedited lead times and ensured the timely delivery of critical components. Gathering regular feedback and field observations ensured alignment with Scripps Research's requirements, enhancing project efficiency and quality. DPR's transparent approach facilitated cost savings and efficient use of project resources. Most notably, design contingency funds were repurposed for owner-added items, doubling the available budget for enhancements.
Challenges and
Solutions
Self-Perform + Trade Partner Engagement
Our self-perform team worked early with DGA to provide constructability and schedule input. This helped streamline design intent and eventual field installation of both structural and TI scopes for the lab/office. DPR prioritized healthy relationships and buy-in with self-perform and trade partners. Weekly huddles addressed issues and constraints promptly, enhancing productivity and quality.
Risk Management and Quality Control
Early design involvement and detailed mockups allowed the project team to proactively gather owner input and get ahead of long lead times. For distinguishing features of work such as lab casework and building envelope, this helped flesh out details on where systems interface, which finishes work together, and how to best sequence workflows for subcontractors--ultimately meeting Scripps' quality expectations.
Site- and Heat-specific Safety Measures
Building within an active campus and constrained site during record heat, DPR held weekly huddles to coordinate activities and high-risk work. The team also conducted safety walks with OSHA 30 graduates and added heat safety measures such as communication on hydration, a site-specific heat illness prevention plan, ample shade, and monitoring for heat-related illness, resulting in zero heat-related incidents.
Challenges and
Solutions
Self-Perform + Trade Partner Engagement
Our self-perform team worked early with DGA to provide constructability and schedule input. This helped streamline design intent and eventual field installation of both structural and TI scopes for the lab/office. DPR prioritized healthy relationships and buy-in with self-perform and trade partners. Weekly huddles addressed issues and constraints promptly, enhancing productivity and quality.
Risk Management and Quality Control
Early design involvement and detailed mockups allowed the project team to proactively gather owner input and get ahead of long lead times. For distinguishing features of work such as lab casework and building envelope, this helped flesh out details on where systems interface, which finishes work together, and how to best sequence workflows for subcontractors--ultimately meeting Scripps' quality expectations.
Site- and Heat-specific Safety Measures
Building within an active campus and constrained site during record heat, DPR held weekly huddles to coordinate activities and high-risk work. The team also conducted safety walks with OSHA 30 graduates and added heat safety measures such as communication on hydration, a site-specific heat illness prevention plan, ample shade, and monitoring for heat-related illness, resulting in zero heat-related incidents.
Cal/OSHA Golden Gate Safety
Award
The Golden Gate Program acknowledges site-specific safety measures taken by the entire project team to prevent injury and illness. To earn this recognition, DPR Safety Manager Akbarh Arreola coordinated with Cal/OSHA Consultation Services to proactively tour and audit the jobsite to confirm the Scripps Gateway project met the requirements of an effective injury and illness prevention program.
Scripps Research Expands La Jolla
Campus
Scripps Research has opened a new 83,000-square-foot laboratory building at its La Jolla campus, as reported by the San Diego Business Journal.
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