Re: Windows

Posted by Craig Brideau on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/New-building-options-feedback-request-from-facilities-NOT-located-on-ground-floor-basement-tp3889815p3894692.html

We have large windows by our desks in the adjacent room, but the
windows in the imaging room itself are covered.  I'd recommend a
blacked out and windowless room for the actual microscopes, but the
analysis room with just computers and people should be bright and
spacious.  You should avoid having your microscope in the same room as
desk space and student sitting areas.  This is both for the mental
health of the workers, as well as the safety and lifespan of the
microscopes themselves (easier to keep clean and dust free in a
separate room).

Craig


On Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 12:59 PM, Shawn Galdeen
<[hidden email]> wrote:

> 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:[phone]; 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
>> *************************
>