Hi Adrian
I had the opportunity to build our facility from the ground up (so to
speak).  We are on the 3rd floor of a new building (the Biotron) and we have
2 TEMs, an SEM, a confocal and numerous widefield microscopes.  By working
with the architects, engineers and various contractors and making them
understand our requirements we don't have vibration issues.  The facility
was designed to the vibrations requirements of the most sensitive piece of
equipment (the TEMs).  The floor are vibrationally isolated from the support
columns and the rest of the building.  It cost more in construction but has
paid off downstream. I will admit we have had some leak issues but because
they were anticipated (to a degree) damge was limited and recoverable.
My advice is stay connected with the building process and make sure you
voice issues as they arise.  Take frequent trips through the building during
construction.
Rick,

Richard Harris, Manager - Integrated Microscopy @ Biotron
The Biotron - Center for Experimental Climate Change Research
University of Western Ontario,
London Ontario, CANADA.
N6A 5B7
Ph.  519-661-2111 ext. 86780
Fax  519-661-3935
e-mail [log in to unmask]
web: www.thebiotron.ca

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Adrian Smith
Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 9:56 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: New building options - feedback request from facilities NOT located
on ground floor/basement

Hi all,

The University with which we are affiliated is currently planning a  
large new research building which will incorporate an (optical)  
cellular imaging facility.

The design brief expressed a preference for a ground floor/basement  
location for the imaging facility but the current plans have the  
facility located on the 4th floor.

The plan is that the facility will house a mixture of optical  
microscopes, ie confocal, multiphoton, widefield etc, and (by the time  
the facility is built), super-resolution.

(At this stage there is also plenty of room for future expansion/new  
technologies)

I'm interested to hear experiences/feedback from people about just how  
important it is to have such a facility on the ground floor/basement -  
ie just how much is that a consideration in a new, purpose-built  
building? I know of many places (here included) where advanced  
microscopes are NOT on the ground floor but I'm keen to hear if there  
are locations where that has been a failure or there have been  
unexpected complications etc.

All feedback gratefully received.

Regards,

Adrian Smith
Centenary Institute, Australia