University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory and Marine Education Center

Overview

This research laboratory was rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina devastated the campus. The facility was designed to preserve the natural environment and sustainability. The complex provides ten classrooms and labs. Buildings are connected by dogtrots or boardwalks protecting the environment.

Features

TLC developed sustainability strategies in the design of the offices, classrooms and laboratories. They included rainwater harvesting, solar water heating, daylight harvesting, measurement and verification, occupancy controls, 100% LED lighting, water bottle filling stations, and more. Functionality and maintenance of the facilities are important, leading to the inclusion of floor drains in classrooms for ease in cleaning after dissection classes.