flexiblefullpage -
billboard - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
catfish1 - bottom
Currently Reading

Construction has finished on the world’s largest forensic anthropology lab, designed by SmithGroupJJR

Laboratories

Construction has finished on the world’s largest forensic anthropology lab, designed by SmithGroupJJR

The lab’s main purpose will be to help in the investigation, recovery, and accounting of Americans lost in past wars.


By David Malone, Associate Editor | September 26, 2016

Photo courtesy SmithGroupJJR

A new 136,497-sf building in Oahu, Hawaii has become the largest forensic anthropology lab in the world. Designed by SmithGroupJJR, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s (DPAA) new Forensic Identification Laboratory combines operations that were previously dispersed across three military locations.

By combining these operations into one facility efficiency, productivity, and support of the DPAA mission, which is to “provide the fullest possible accounting for missing personnel to their families and the nation,” are all greatly improved.

The building has advanced investigation laboratories, a flexible and sustainable working environment for staff, and appropriate spaces for the families of the deceased. The primary laboratory space includes the DPAA Laboratory, the Material Evidence and Life Support Investigation Lab, a DNA lab, and a complete forensic medicine facility.

The DPAA Laboratory space is on the third floor of the building and includes 70 examination tables. Half of the floor is dedicated to lab space while the other half consists of a family viewing room, offices, and administrative spaces. The DPAA Laboratory conforms to Biological Safety Level Two.

The Forensic Identification Laboratory’s design is meant as an homage to the Hickam Air Force Base (now known as Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam). The uniquely Hawaiian structure features structural concrete and pre-cast concrete panels that are fashioned with an abstracted Hawaiian pattern, a three-story garden space, and a craftsman-like shade trellis that welcomes visitors.

SmithGroupJJR also acted as the MEP engineer and laboratory planner and programmer.

Related Stories

Laboratories | Nov 8, 2023

Boston’s FORUM building to support cutting-edge life sciences research and development

Global real estate companies Lendlease and Ivanhoé Cambridge recently announced the topping-out of FORUM, a nine-story, 350,000-sf life science building in Boston. Located in Boston Landing, a 15-acre mixed-use community, the $545 million project will achieve operational net zero carbon upon completion in 2024.

Laboratories | Sep 20, 2023

Life sciences construction market is poised for a comeback: JLL

The life sciences commercial real estate market has undergone a reset this year but is well positioned to be the comeback kid as capital sources grow more confident and green shoots emerge, according to JLL’s 2023 Life Sciences Industry and Real Estate Perspective.

Laboratories | Aug 24, 2023

Net-zero carbon science center breaks ground in Canada

Designed by Diamond Schmitt, the new Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre (ASEC) will provide federal scientists and partners with state-of-the-art space and equipment to collaborate on research opportunities.

Giants 400 | Aug 22, 2023

Top 115 Architecture Engineering Firms for 2023

Stantec, HDR, Page, HOK, and Arcadis North America top the rankings of the nation's largest architecture engineering (AE) firms for nonresidential building and multifamily housing work, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2023 Giants 400 Report.

Giants 400 | Aug 22, 2023

2023 Giants 400 Report: Ranking the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms

A record 552 AEC firms submitted data for BD+C's 2023 Giants 400 Report. The final report includes 137 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.

Giants 400 | Aug 22, 2023

Top 175 Architecture Firms for 2023

Gensler, HKS, Perkins&Will, Corgan, and Perkins Eastman top the rankings of the nation's largest architecture firms for nonresidential building and multifamily housing work, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2023 Giants 400 Report.

University Buildings | Aug 7, 2023

Eight-story Vancouver Community College building dedicated to clean energy, electric vehicle education

The Centre for Clean Energy and Automotive Innovation, to be designed by Stantec, will house classrooms, labs, a library and learning center, an Indigenous gathering space, administrative offices, and multiple collaborative learning spaces.

Laboratories | Jul 10, 2023

U.S. Department of Agriculture opens nation’s first biosafety level 4 containment facility for animal disease research

Replacing a seven-decade-old animal disease center, the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility includes the nation’s first facility with biosafety containment capable of housing large livestock.

Laboratories | Jun 23, 2023

A New Jersey development represents the state’s largest-ever investment in life sciences and medical education

In New Brunswick, N.J., a life sciences development that’s now underway aims to bring together academics and researchers to work, learn, and experiment under one roof. HELIX Health + Life Science Exchange is an innovation district under development on a four-acre downtown site. At $731 million, HELIX, which will be built in three phases, represents New Jersey’s largest-ever investment in life sciences and medical education, according to a press statement.

University Buildings | May 17, 2023

New UC Irvine health sciences building supports aim to become national model for integrative health

The new College of Health Sciences Building and Nursing & Health Sciences Hall at the University of California Irvine supports the institution’s goal of becoming a national model for integrative health. The new 211,660-sf facility houses nursing, medical doctorate, pharmacy, philosophy, and public health programs in a single building.

boombox1 - default
boombox2 -
native1 -

More In Category


Laboratories

HGA unveils plans to transform an abandoned rock quarry into a new research and innovation campus

In the coastal town of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass., an abandoned rock quarry will be transformed into a new research and innovation campus designed by HGA. The campus will reuse and upcycle the granite left onsite. The project for Cell Signaling Technology (CST), a life sciences technology company, will turn an environmentally depleted site into a net-zero laboratory campus, with building electrification and onsite renewables.



halfpage1 -

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021