Posted by
Shawn Galdeen on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/New-building-options-feedback-request-from-facilities-NOT-located-on-ground-floor-basement-tp3889815p3894231.html
These comments bring up a question I've long had regarding the
intersection between the practice of microscopy and the business of
running an imaging facility: Windows -- not the OS, but the objects
themselves.
It seems to me that one way to encourage return visits to a facility
is by providing an environment that users find inviting, or at least
not frightening. One easy way to do this is to have analysis areas
or main lab spaces that are windowed. However, every room with
windows is one that is necessarily restricted in terms of function (as
Craig and Ammasi mention). While I understand that scientific
concerns are paramount and questions of ambience should not matter,
I've had more than one experience where users have told me that they
would not return to a facility because it was 'too depressing'. Some
may argue that what is depressing is their commitment to their
projects, but we have little choice concerning motivation.
I don't know that there's a right or wrong answer to windows in a
facility, but could some of you with more experience comment on the
net benefit/cost? It would help me (and hopefully others) when
thinking about such designs in future.
Thanks,
Shawn
Shawn Galdeen, Ph.D.
Research Support Specialist
Bio-Imaging Resource Center
Rockefeller University
1230 York Ave.
New York, New York 10065
212.327.7487
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Oct 26, 2009, at 2:19 PM, Craig Brideau wrote:
If you have control over the construction/renovation of the room;
don't put windows in it!
Craig
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 12:15 PM, Periasamy, Ammasi (ap3t)
<
[hidden email]> wrote:
> Hello
> I always prefer the basement for microscopy facility. In the
> basement or ground floor you will not have floor vibration issue and
> also it provides light proof if you would like to do lifetime
> imaging. Otherwise, you have to hang curtains, etc., to cover the
> light leak. First floor is ok, all other floors are not ok because
> of vibration of the floor if someone hammer the wall the confocal
> scanner will go crazy.
> Right now our center is in the ground floor (13 years) and we are
> planning to move to the new building ( more space!!)in the basement
> in another two years.
> You may miss the daylight but it's good for the microscope system if
> it is protected well regarding all the water leaks, etc.
> Hope this helps.
>
> Ammasi Periasamy, Ph.D.
> Director, Keck Center for Cellular Imaging (KCCI)
> Professor of Biology and Biomedical Engineering
> Biology, Gilmer Hall (064), McCormick Rd
> University of Virginia
> Charlottesville, VA 22904
> Voice: 434-243-7602 (Office); 982-4869 (lab)
> Fax:434-982-5210; Email:
[hidden email]
>
http://www.kcci.virginia.edu> ************************
> Workshop on FRET Microscopy, March 9-13, 2010
>
http://www.kcci.virginia.edu/workshop/workshop2010/index.php> *************************