Brookhaven National Laboratories just released an update on the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) design process, and it is ahead of schedule. According to the release, the availability of funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has accelerated the project.

"The NSLS-II lab-office buildings (LOBs) were scheduled to be designed in fiscal year (FY) 2010, put out for bid in FY11, and have a construction contract awarded in late FY11 that would enable start of construction at the beginning of FY12. Given that plan, the LOBs would have been ready for occupancy in late FY13. However, the availability of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding has changed all that. The design and construction of the LOBs are one part of the NSLS-II Project that is being accelerated due to the provision of $150 million in ARRA funds to the project earlier this year. As a result, the LOBs will now be available for occupancy in FY12 – at least a year earlier than originally planned."

A Summary of the National Synchrontron Light Source II Facilities
Each lab-office building will feature 11 labs, with a mix of wet labs, dry labs, fabrication/assembly shops, and tech spaces that have easy access to the experimental floor. The LOBs also include a shipping/receiving and storage area with roll-up door and rolling access to the experimental floor. Each LOB has offices designed for up to 124 occupants, with a mix of single-person and multi-person hard-walled offices and open-plan soft-walled offices for flexibility. The open-plan offices are in areas that are drenched with natural lighting provided by clerestory windows in the roof. The clerestory windows also extend above a central lobby area for gatherings, displays, and informal interaction space. All the offices and labs are on the ground floor. The mechanical and electrical services are located in a second-floor penthouse to reduce sound and vibration near the ground floor and adjacent experimental floor. Each LOB includes two kitchen areas, interaction areas, three conference rooms, and bathrooms that with locker and shower areas. The LOBs will have a number of environmentally conscious design features to reduce energy consumption and qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

Curious about the NSLS-II project? See the links below for explanations, project updates, and the mission behind this expansion.

Full Release and Additional Links to Information about the National Synchrotron Light Source II
Original Press Release: http://www.bnl.gov/bnlweb/pubaf/pr/PR_display.asp?prID=1027
Website for National Synchrotron Light Source II