Photo by Ross Cooperthwaite

This two-story facility houses numerous labs and facilities to examine weapons and other evidence.

Providing a safe and secure working environment for forensic examiners while revitalizing a blighted area, this two-story facility houses a variety of offices and lab spaces dedicated to the examination of everything from explosives to dangerous biological materials. Each entryway into the lab and office suites is highlighted by dynamic, colorful masses with integrated displays that represent the forensic activities taking place inside. An atrium between the office and lab wings serves as a space for spontaneous collaboration. The building is expected to attain LEED-Silver status as a result of such features as heat-recovery units for lab exhaust and rainwater and condensate collection.

Key Players

Contractor: D.L. Withers Construction, Phoenix

Owner: City of Tucson, Ariz.

Lead Design: WSM Architects,Tucson, Ariz.

Structural Engineer: Schneider and Assoc., Tucson

Civil Engineer: Dowl HKM, Tucson, Ariz.

MEP: Crime Lab Design, Southfield, Mich.; PH Mechanical, Tucson, Ariz.; EDA, Tucson, Ariz.