A CSIRO lab in Geelong for research into exotic and emerging animal and zoonotic diseases is set for a major upgrade, which the agency says will support Australia’s response to future pandemics.
Appointed to design the upgrade to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness is the design consortium BioDesign Collaborative, led by engineering and design firm Aurecon and including architecture and engineering firm HDR and engineering firm Wood.
The Geelong facility is a high-security, high-contaminant lab known as a “PC4” lab, where scientists can research highly infectious agents. It was originally created to help prevent animal diseases such as foot and mouth, but has since broadened its outlook to look at potential human diseases.
When the upgrade was announced in 2020, CSIRO chief executive Larry Marshall said, “The emergence of Hendra virus in Australia demonstrated that diseases do not differentiate between animals and humans, so neither will we, as we step up our preparedness and response to both in a more holistic way.”
The $220 million project will see a new laboratory wing built, replacing existing laboratory space. BioDesign Collaborative’s design for the facility will take a “people-centred” approach, providing labs with access to natural light to support the wellness of staff and attract talent and collaborators, the consortium said. The new spaces will match future research demands and technology, while maintaining the facility’s multiple levels of security and biocontainment.
“As part of the BioDesign Collaborative, HDR is honoured to provide local and international expertise for the design of this innovative facility,” said Steven Riojas, HDR’s global director of education, science and advanced technologies. “The critical research being done will advance animal and human health and safety, improve quality of life, and have a lasting impact on communities in Australia.”
The new facilities are expected to be operational by 2027.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
