Forensic Science Facility
Central County Occupational Center
Metropolitan Education District
Project Outline
- Renovated Career Technical Education Facility on Existing Campus
- Protective Services Center, with: Forensic Science Laboratory, Legal Careers, Police Careers
- Metalwork Center with Welding Shop, Machine Shop and CAD laboratory
This Career Technical Facility project is a renovation and reconfiguration of an existing 30,000 square foot building, built in the mid 1960's. Funding for this project was provided via the Federal Qualified Zone Academy Bond program.
The impetus for the project was the creation of a new Forensic Science Education Laboratory in order to serve a growing industry need and student interest in Forensics. As a result of collaborative planning efforts with the CCOC staff, the project scope was expanded to include a full reconfiguration and renovation of the entire building.
The Forensics Lab allows for flexible re-configuration of furnishings and may be used in the future for other laboratory learning environments. As an example of technology integration, this laboratory is equipped with an array of flat panel monitors connected to computers and microscopes. A student team imaging a "Crime Scene Item" on a microscope can view the item on their team's monitor. The instructor in turn has the ability to choose any microscope and project what is being observed on a classroom screen via a digital projector.
The overall reconfigured building space plan solves various code and exiting issues. Additionally it allows for evolved teaching paradigms in comparison to those employed in the 1960's.
The Metalwork center design provides separate spaces for disciplines such as Machining, Welding and CAD - while allowing for easy articulation of classes when desired. Such Articulation is a key ingredient in Career Technical Education.
The Protective Services Center also provides separate spaces for the Forensics Lab, Legal Careers and Police Careers while allowing for easy articulation when the center is collaborating on solving a "crime".
The design of this project respects the building's pre-existing character and materials. Exposed concrete floors, high ceilings with long-span volumes were retained. The plan diagram for the building provides visual penetrations allowing for passive and dignified monitoring of student activities.
