Caltech, Schlinger Laboratory for Chemistry

The Warren and Katharine Schlinger Laboratory for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering brings together diverse research groups who will continue Caltech’s tradition of pioneering investigations in chemistry and chemical engineering. The 62,300-square-foot, four-story Schlinger Laboratory blends adaptable design and sustainable construction elements for a contemporary laboratory.

T he Schlinger Laboratory for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering features a “green,” eco-conscious design, furthering Caltech’s campus-wide sustainable commitment. The building is seeking LEED Gold certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, which requires projects to meet stringent energy and water efficiency standards. The Schlinger Laboratory houses energy-conscious equipment and lighting, for a 28% reduction in energy usage and an impressive 30% reduction in water usage. The building utilizes locally derived and recycled building materials, such as the circa 1900 slate boards recycled as the main writing surfaces in the conference rooms. Natural lighting in the new laboratory was essential for the chemists. Expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows illuminates 90% of the labs and conference rooms while providing engaging, panoramic views.

Designed with flexible lab space, research areas can be adapted or reconfigured for specific uses. Each of the highly specialized research areas was custom designed to meet the distinct specifications of the resident professors. The laboratory also offers an abundance of ventilated chemical fume hoods, providing a high ratio of workstations per student or researcher.

The building features:

• 6 faculty offices within 2 faculty suites
• Office space for over 100 postdoctoral and graduate students
• A 50-person undergraduate teaching classroom/faculty conference room
• Multiple interactive lounge areas
• A central recycling room
• Individual office climate control and auto-sensor lighting
• A dual-glazed curtain wall system for window shading and reduced heat gain
• 70 German-engineered Waldner fume hoods (total capacity 110)

The laboratory houses research groups in synthetic chemistry and chemical engineering, enabling new research in catalysis, materials, and the atmosphere. Chemists and chemical engineers will be brought together under one roof for exciting new discoveries and innovations.

Research within this new state-of-the-art facility will include:

• Designing new catalysts and new routes to the preparation of pharmaceuticals.
• Designing new catalysts that may be critical in solar energy conversion.
• Researching atmospheric chemistry, focusing on aerosol processes and the control of air pollution.
• Characterizing new polymers with broad applications in everything from liquid- crystal displays to intraocular lenses.

The laboratory will also house the Center for Catalysis and Chemical Synthesis, led by Nobel laureate Robert Grubbs, the Victor and Elizabeth Atkins Professor of Chemistry.