LABORATORY OF ASTROPHYSICS AND SPACE RESEARCH (LASR), THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO Location Chicago, IL LEED Rating Gold Owner The University of Chicago Architect Perkins Eastman Completed 2017 LASR is the center of theoretical and experimental research for space applications, gathering researchers from multiple fields focused on development of ideas and tools for understanding space. The building is an existing facility on the University of Chicago’s campus. The two-floor structure has been fully reconstructed and an addition has been added, extending its height to four floors. The facility includes offices, meeting rooms, and electronic and laser application labs plus specialty fume hood labs. dbHMS developed the MEP and lighting design of the building that incorporates efficient and consolidated systems, such as the active chilled beam heating and cooling system supplied by dedicated outside air. The perimeter office and lab areas are conditioned by slot-type chilled beams that provide efficient space conditioning while balancing the aesthetics of the building. Base systems are served by campus chilled water and campus steam. The laboratories include a central compressed air system and are all zoned individually, providing full thermal control. The labs incorporate LED lighting, providing a substantial reduction in cooling load and overall energy used. LASR is LEED Gold certified – to view the scorecard, click here.