Post Occupancy Evaluation - UCSF Helen Diller Family ...

Engineering Findings
“The
darkness of
the labs is
depressing.”
Wet Lab Focus
Group
Post Occupancy Evaluation
January 7, 2011
Participants were asked to indicate their satisfaction
with lab utility/engineering with respect to quality,
capacity and control. Engineering questions were
discussed during focus group meetings and building
tours. Highlights of lab engineering satisfaction include:
• Electrical: One of the major issues facing the labs is
the lack of good lighting. Our survey indicated that
the measured foot-candle levels are below the
recommended values for the labs. The users
perception is that the labs are too dark. The
placement of the light sources at the ends of the lab
modules (see photos) to provide indirect lighting is
highlighted by the users as an opportunity for
improvement. Their preference being the use of direct
overhead lighting. The lighting controls programming
should be re-assessed to insure proper calibration,
placement and assignment of light fixtures to the
sensors.
• Lab users and maintenance staff are satisfied with
electrical capacity and location of power outlets.
However, additional 208 volt power is needed in the
equipment rooms. Also, not enough emergency
power capacity was planned for expansion.
• The office outlets are not properly located in the
group rooms.
• Wireless is lacking in the common areas, preventing
staff to use them for interaction and meeting spaces.