{"id":146344,"date":"2022-05-11T13:39:35","date_gmt":"2022-05-11T17:39:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/?p=146344"},"modified":"2023-05-04T11:21:58","modified_gmt":"2023-05-04T15:21:58","slug":"campus-construction-update-may-12-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/2022\/05\/11\/campus-construction-update-may-12-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"Campus Construction Update: May 13, 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While the term \u201cfume hood\u201d itself doesn\u2019t quite qualify as poetic, it\u2019s nevertheless true that the recent installation of 18 such devices in Dana Hall sends uplifting messages about that building\u2019s renovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For one thing, along with much less-sophisticated features like bookshelves, projection screens, and coat hooks, the hoods are built-in furnishings that can be installed only when most other work in a given space is done. So their arrival signals the beginning of the end of the Dana project, whose construction commenced last July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And because hoods are scientific tools \u2014 ventilated chemistry workstations that protect users from harmful fumes \u2014 that beginning-of-end signal is particularly fitting for the latest milestone in the makeover of Bates\u2019 science-teaching facilities<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
\"A

A newly installed fume hood in a teaching lab. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>
\"Operating

Operating controls on a new Dana Hall fume hood. Note the “Erlab” emblem on the black power panel at upper center. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>
\"The

The Dana Hall worksite from Gate A, near Hedge Hall, on a May morning. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>
\"Blue

Blue room: A temporary cover protecting new flooring casts blue light in a third-floor Dana Hall classroom. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>
\"As

As shown in Dana Hall\u2019s first-floor lobby, the architects at Payette selected “wash” lighting fixtures to accentuate textural contrasts among wall sections of different vintages. Note the fume hood at right awaiting installation. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>
\"Warm

Warm welcome: This system heats outdoor air as it enters the big HVAC unit in Dana Hall\u2019s attic. The objective is to keep cold air from freezing the machinery. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>
\"New

New fume hoods in Dana 119. The hood unit second from left is for dispensing and disposing of chemicals. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>
\"Pipefitters

Pipefitters connect Dana Hall\u2019s new chiller, the gray item to the right of center, to the building’s interior HVAC network. The man at right is drilling holes in brick. The excavator behind the chiller well is contouring soil for landscaping. Coram Library is in the background. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In addition, the new hoods represent an especially Bates-ish kind of thrift, involving substantial savings in both initial and operating costs. Traditional fume hoods vent to the outdoors, so operating them entails circulating air into and out of the building, and matching its temperature to interior conditions. To be clear, this air circulation and conditioning effort is in addition to a building\u2019s normal air handling capacity. That added effort requires a lot of infrastructure to buy and maintain, and a lot of electricity to operate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the new Dana hoods, instead, are actually ductless. Instead of piping fumes out of the building, they use replaceable charcoal filters to scrub the fumage, so the cleaned air stays in the lab. Made in close consultation with Bates by Erlab Inc., an international firm with U.S. headquarters in Massachusetts, these GreenFumeHood 3 filters are simpler, cheaper, and better for the planet than conventional hoods. In fact, a study undertaken by BR+A Consulting Engineers (whom Bates hires for quality-control work on its building projects) indicated that with Erlab-equipped ductless hoods, the 20-year operational carbon footprint is 94 percent less than that from ducted hoods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Erlab<\/a>
Erlab GreenFumeHood charcoal filter packs atop a fume hood in a chemistry teaching lab. Labconco manufactured the hood unit itself. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey\u2019re going to be cool,\u201d says Bates project manager Chris Streifel, not just meaning the air temperature. (The hoods themselves are made by Labconco Corp. of Missouri.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, Streifel points out that the filtered hoods are \u201cnot a universal application. They\u2019re not made for every single chemical and they\u2019re not made for every single use.\u201d The 18 hoods in Dana are installed in labs designed for introductory science instruction \u2014 in chemistry (eight in each of two labs on the first floor) and in biology (one in each of two labs on the third floor). The technology is almost new to Bates \u2014 one filtered hood was installed in Carnegie Science Hall last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, across campus in the new Bonney Science Center, a much wider range and intensity of chemistry and biology work takes place, so ducted fume hoods are needed. (And Dana also houses two traditional hoods used specifically for dispensing and disposing of chemicals.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also in HVAC world (and pardon us if that\u2019s the name of an annual convention somewhere), the building’s new chiller was placed in its well, on Dana\u2019s outside wall facing Hedge Hall, right on schedule. We happened past on Monday morning, when workers were drilling many holes through Dana\u2019s walls for the water connections: Not to be confused with what people do when they watch Netflix, what the chiller chills is a water-glycol blend that helps control the air temperature inside Dana.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Pipes<\/a>
Pipes linking an outdoor chiller to Dana Hall’s HVAC system will come in through these new holes in the foundation. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Another to-do list item soon to be checked off is the return to service of Dana\u2019s elevator. The car, controls, and most mechanical components have been replaced, leaving just the hydraulic piston and platform as original components. \u201cFrom an operating standpoint and a maintenance standpoint, it\u2019s almost a new elevator,\u201d says Streifel. \u201cIt\u2019s still rather diminutive, as it always has been, but it\u2019ll have much more of a modern feel and touch.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Broadly speaking, in fact, the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installations inside Dana are nearly at the point where the first phase of MEP quality control, aka startup, can begin. That involves all manner of equipment, but notably, Streifel reports, testing of the building\u2019s IT network will likely begin next week. \u201cThat will then enable the building management system to start talking to its equipment. And as that comes on, the latter part of May will be very busy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we\u2019ve explained before (and will keep explaining until we’ve mastered it for small talk at parties), startup is not the same as commissioning, which is a more rigorous, formal, and definitive process of systems testing overseen by a hired commissioning agent.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"New<\/a>
New electronics for the Dana Hall elevator. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cStartup is something that the contractor owes us, usually with the support of an equipment manufacturer,\u201d Streifel says. \u201cBut the commissioning agent will often be present for that, especially for some of the bigger pieces of equipment, just to witness it. And maybe learn something, you know, depending on what the system is. But then the commissioning actually takes place after that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And where startup is a test of individual components within a system, commissioning looks more at system performance as a whole. \u201cIt\u2019s a slightly different perspective.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With all this talk of startup and commission, you are probably thinking, \u201cBut what of the punch-listing, Campus Construction Update?\u201d We too were curious about the status of that very detail-oriented quality-control process \u2014and were surprised to learn that it\u2019s already happening, albeit with a very tight focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSome of the above-ceiling reviews are happening now,\u201d says Streifel, with engineers from BR+A examining MEP installations above the suspended ceiling. \u201cThat\u2019s the first place that usually gets punched out so the ceiling tiles itself can go in to finish the room.\u201d (Just being punched out would finish us.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
\"Above-ceiling

Above-ceiling MEP installation (not punch-listing) in progress in a third-floor classroom. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>
\"Fasteners

Fasteners awaiting use on a new sill at Dana’s chemical storeroom. A subtle sign of progress in the Dana renovation is the appearance of such finish work around what till now had been just rough openings. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>
\"New

New electronics for the Dana Hall elevator. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>
\"New

New fixtures in a Dana Hall restroom. The cardboard is to remind construction crewmembers to use the portable facilities outside. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>
\"A

A new window in Dana Hall\u2019s new ground-floor lounge, adjacent to Alumni Walk. The window will provide generous views toward Commons and Garcelon Field. The blue plastic foam is protecting the glass while construction is ongoing. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>
\"Dana

Dana Hall’s third-floor lobby. Rest rooms are situated at the left and a student “write-up room” is ahead. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>
\"The

The staging at the Parker Hall end of Dana should go away in a week or so. Most recently, it provided access to the building’s upper floors while metalworkers were installing handrails in the interior stairways. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>
\"Dana

Dana Hall\u2019s new HVAC chiller. The blue panels at right are for soundproofing. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>
\"He

He knows the drill: Preparing holes for pipes that will connect an outdoor chiller to Dana Hall\u2019s HVAC system. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>
\"Steam,

Steam, control, and electrical connections to the main HVAC unit, in Dana’s attic. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, the multivalent effort to finish rooms rolls on: painting, flooring, insulating, installing terminal utility fixtures, placing and mounting casework and lab equipment. Interestingly, one develops an eye for work that\u2019s done but doesn\u2019t look it: for instance, the well-used blue and orange protective covers hiding the brand-new flooring, or the cardboard boxes atop the new toilets reminding workers that porta-potties outside are still the places to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unique to Bates<\/strong>: Campus Construction Update hates to admit to getting something wrong. Fortunately, we almost never do (admit it, that is). But we do concede that our interpretation of the facts may sometimes \u2014 if very, very, very rarely \u2014 go awry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the case with what we\u2019ve casually termed \u201cPayette green,\u201d the distinctive chartreuse used as an accent color in the new Bonney Science Center and the Dana Hall makeover. Payette is the Boston architectural firm that designed both projects, and Campus Construction Update somehow developed (and, sorry to say, expressed) the wrong idea that the firm uses that particular green in projects for many of its clients.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"This<\/a>
This distinctive chartreuse in the Bonney Science Center is typical of the eye-catching accent paint colors chosen by the firm that designed both Bonney and the Dana Hall renovation, Payette. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In fact, we learned this week that the color is unique to Bates and those two projects. Selected to complement Bates\u2019 own signature color, garnet, the green was inspired by the first spring buds of maple tree leaves \u2014 \u201ca reminder of nature’s vibrancy through the long autumn and winter months,\u201d according to Geoff Swift, vice president for finance and administration and treasurer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its placement as a chromatic accent, moreover, is meant to represent places of motion and transition, such as stairways, portals, and corridors. Most Payette projects include a bright accent color in key locations, Swift says. Just not that particular green.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the color was chosen through a collaborative process involving stakeholders in the building projects and Payette representatives. As an important participant in those proceedings pointed out, these are buildings \u201cfor young people,\u201d as Swift explains, \u201cand the colors should exude the energy and taste of the students that occupy them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The thrill of the Chase<\/strong>: With little outward sign, the yearlong reconfiguration of Chase Hall has gotten underway. Acadia Contractors of Turner, Maine, will soon bring hazmat suits, poly sheeting, and warning signs to bear on the critical process of hazardous-materials abatement in the building \u2014 notably, the removal of asbestos and lead paint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likely to take a couple of months, abatement will focus on the areas to be structurally rebuilt in the Chase makeover. Those include the main lobby, Chase Lounge, Purposeful Work meeting spaces on the first floor, Residence Life offices on the second floor, and spaces around the Bates Musicians Union headquarters, Office of Intercultural Education reception, and OIE prayer rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Exiled<\/a>
Exiled from Chase Hall during construction, student organizations and staff from Student Affairs have been quartered at 96 Campus Ave. since early May. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Acadia and construction management firm Consigli Construction are just setting up shop in Chase. \u201cThis week is the first time that anyone\u2019s been on site\u201d as the project\u2019s active phase begins, says Kristi Mynhier, Bates project manager for Chase. \u201cSo this week is really just about becoming familiar with the building, getting everything set up, and making sure that we’re prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She explains, \u201cThe Den is still operational, and Commencement is still a couple weeks away. So from the outside, it won’t look like much is happening until after Commencement.\u201d A permit for the abatement takes effect next week. By the way, some hazmat abatement was performed last summer, notably in the former site of the College Store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As planned, student organizations and staff from different offices within the purview of Student Affairs have transferred to nearby temporary quarters \u2014 temporary as in 15 months \u2014 at 96 Campus Ave. (much closer to the Dairy Joy than their previous digs). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In all, 20 Bates staff made the move, including folks from Campus Life, Residential Life, and the OIE. The move took about a week and involved 12 truckloads of furniture, supplies, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you plan to go there, just look for the topiary critter by the front door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can we talk?<\/strong> Campus Construction Update loves to hear from you, except when you have caught us in an error. (But tell us anyway!) Please send questions, comments, and reminiscences about construction at Bates College (or reminiscences about the Dairy Joy) to dhubley@bates.edu<\/em><\/a>, with \u201cCampus Construction\u201d or a rhyme for “fume hood” in the subject line.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Topiary<\/a>
Topiary at 96 Campus Ave. (Doug Hubley\/Bates College)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

While the term \u201cfume hood\u201d itself doesn\u2019t quite qualify as poetic, it\u2019s…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":105,"featured_media":146345,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_hide_ai_chatbot":false,"_ai_chatbot_style":"","associated_faculty":[],"_Page_Specific_Css":"","_bates_restrict_mod":false,"_table_of_contents_display":false,"_table_of_contents_location":"","_table_of_contents_disableSticky":false,"_is_featured":false,"footnotes":"","_bates_seo_meta_description":"","_bates_seo_block_robots":false,"_bates_seo_sharing_image_id":0,"_bates_seo_sharing_image_twitter_id":0,"_bates_seo_share_title":"","_bates_seo_canonical_overwrite":"","_bates_seo_twitter_template":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[1932,7765],"class_list":["post-146344","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-batesnews","tag-campus-construction-updates","tag-science-education"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/146344","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/105"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=146344"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/146344\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":153468,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/146344\/revisions\/153468"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/146345"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=146344"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=146344"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=146344"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}