The State University of New York’s Maritime College is currently in the process of renovating its research facilities called Tode Hall Engineering Laboratories located on the college’s 55-acre campus on the Throg’s Neck peninsula in the Bronx.
Architects, Landow and Landow of Lake Success, New York designed the renovations to enable SUNY Maritime to achieve the institution’s goal of creating modernized, state-of-the-art research facilities for students and faculty. The project includes a fluid mechanics laboratory, electronics laboratory, diesel maintenance laboratory, strength of materials laboratory and classroom space. Each space was designed with modern finishes, lighting, upgraded electrical power and new research equipment.
Two of the laboratories, electronics and diesel maintenance, are new facilities and the Landow team designed the electronics laboratory within an existing section of the fluid mechanics laboratory which is a space dedicated for students to design model ships and to test their creations against water moving at varying speeds.
A separation was also created between the existing testing space and the new electronics laboratory so as to allow for desk space with electronics equipment and computer hook-ups at each station. This design features “borrowed” light as well as an exhaust system to keep out humidity that develops in the fluid mechanics space. Tenemec coating was used to inhibit moisture throughout the space and a new ceiling design was incorporated, featuring exposed duct work, new lighting and the removal of an existing drop ceiling.
The diesel maintenance laboratory was also designed within an existing two-story space allowing for a diesel engine and student work space. Offering ample space for lift equipment, the design features a new ceiling, new flooring and new lighting. All electrical power was upgraded in the new lab facilities, including modernized electrical panels and circuits.
“The project included the introduction of new and modern construction materials as well as creating new spaces to allow students to explore expanded research areas within one laboratory facility,” said Landow architect, Glen J. Landow.
The Landow team worked in collaboration with New York based AKF Engineering and Severud Associates also of New York, who served as structural consultant. Landow and Landow have also completed numerous other projects on the SUNY Maritime College campus as well as laboratory space at SUNY’s Downstate Health Science Center for its animal research laboratories.
The labs are currently receiving equipment and the next phase will involve the fluid mechanics lab and the diesel lab. The overall project is expected to be completed by this academic year.
