Capability Improvements
An upgraded laboratory enhances Riverside County’s ability to respond to infectious disease threats through modernized infrastructure and phased delivery.
Public Health Lab Expansion
Riverside, CA
Originally constructed in 1982, the County of Riverside’s Public Health Laboratory played a critical role in disease detection and community protection. But with growing population demands and evolving health threats, the facility required significant modernization to increase testing capabilities and improve laboratory workflows.
The county partnered with EwingCole to develop a comprehensive expansion and renovation strategy that would meet long-term demand forecasts and support safer, more efficient operations.
Key Design Elements & Strategies
- New BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory suites
- Reorganized internal flow for specimens and staff
- Reduced lab density for improved safety
- Phased construction plan, maintaining full lab operation
- CFD analysis to evaluate wind impacts
- Seismic anchorage and equipment coordination
- Collaboration with the construction manager for multi-prime delivery
Flexible, High-Containment Testing Environments
The project added state-of-the-art BSL-2 laboratories and dedicated BSL-3 suites to support advanced diagnostic testing for infectious diseases. Laboratory density was reduced to improve worker safety, while the internal layout was reconfigured to streamline the flow of specimens, from intake through containment and analysis.
Flexible lab areas were designed to adapt to changing technologies and testing protocols, allowing the facility to stay responsive to public health needs over time.
Phased Construction, Continuous Operation
Maintaining full lab functionality during construction was essential. The team developed a detailed phasing plan that allowed uninterrupted testing services throughout the renovation. Collaboration with the construction manager enabled a smooth multi-prime delivery approach, with coordinated MEP and seismic anchorage design for lab equipment.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling helped evaluate airflow around the facility and mitigate external wind effects from a neighboring four-story building, ensuring environmental controls remained stable and secure.
