The Lab: Rethinking Water and Ecosystems

Design of a Research Shed for Aquatic Environmental Studies

A specialized research shed was proposed in response to the needs of biological studies, developed in collaborative coordination with the Biology Department at the Faculty of Science at the University of Antwerp. The project aims to provide a suitable environment for studying the impact of both seawater and river water on various environmental factors such as air, soil, and marine ecosystems.

Integrating Environmental Dimensions into the Design

The design focuses on creating spaces that allow for the organized and efficient monitoring and analysis of environmental interactions, while also providing facilities that support both field and laboratory experiments. Through this approach, researchers can accurately study the influence of natural variables on ecosystems, contributing to a deeper understanding of the relationship between water and the surrounding environment.

Spatial Structure of the Research Shed

From a spatial perspective, the shed was designed as a non-climatized structure that provides basic protection from weather conditions such as rain and direct sunlight, while also allowing it to be closed to ensure the safety of research materials and equipment.

Facilities Supporting Field Experiments

The open structure includes dedicated water basins prepared for experimental setups, along with areas equipped with the technical instruments required to monitor research processes. This spatial organization enables experiments to be conducted in an orderly and efficient manner while maintaining a safe environment for both researchers and the materials used.

Structural Framework of the Research Shed

The design is based on a square layout measuring approximately 18 m × 18 m, ensuring a balanced structural distribution from all sides. This configuration achieves structural stability, facilitates the organization of internal spaces, and enhances the overall safety of the structure during research activities.

Foundations and Structural Support

Due to the need for a level surface capable of bearing heavy loads, the foundation was designed as an asphalt-covered slab that provides a solid base for moving the basins, which may weigh up to one ton. The structure is supported by a grid of concrete columns arranged at 3 m × 3 m intervals, with column bases rising to a height of approximately 1.10 m, helping absorb impacts and protect research equipment.

Rainwater Management

Some of the columns are utilized to collect rainwater, which can then be reused in research experiments through a manual pump. This approach reflects the design’s emphasis on environmental efficiency and sustainable resource management.

Upper Framework and Design Flexibility

Above the column bases, the shed’s metal framework supports infill metal panels designed to provide flexibility in arrangement and use.

Access and Ventilation Elements

The design includes large gates measuring approximately 4 m × 3.3 m to facilitate access to the shed, in addition to smaller doors intended for pedestrian use or emergency exit. The open sections also incorporate tensioned metal panels that filter direct sunlight and reduce wind impact, enhancing working comfort while protecting research equipment.

Enhancing Structural Protection

The lower section of the infill panels is made of square metal sheets, completing an impact-resistant perimeter around the shed. This design strengthens the structure’s ability to protect research equipment and materials from external influences.

Roof Design and Weather Resistance

The roof consists of a closed metal structure equipped with pitched ridges inclined at an angle of 25° every three meters, contributing to efficient water drainage and protecting the shed from rainfall. A projecting crown extending approximately 1.5 m on all sides further enhances protection from various weather conditions, ensuring a stable environment for research experiments.

Sustainable Water Management Design

In line with sustainable design principles, the gutters and drainage pipes are highlighted with a distinctive color, allowing them to be visually integrated into the character of the shed without disrupting its overall appearance.

Rainwater Collection and Direction

Rainwater is collected either within the column bases or directed through underground drainage pipes to an absorption trench located east of the shed. This method ensures responsible water resource management, reducing waste while preserving the surrounding environment of the research facility.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The research shed for aquatic environmental studies presents a practical model for examining water-related environmental interactions. It offers several positive features, including the integration of rainwater collection and the organized preparation of field experiments. However, the project remains limited in terms of architectural flexibility and future expansion, while the reliance on a non-climatized structure may restrict its efficiency for year-round use in different environmental contexts.

Furthermore, the density of equipment and the open spatial divisions may pose challenges in maintaining safety and comfort standards for researchers. The maintenance requirements of metal components and drainage systems can also represent a long-term operational burden. Despite these considerations, the project can still serve as a preliminary model for studying the spatial organization of environmental experiments and applying principles of sustainability, provided that future design improvements are considered to expand its functionality and enhance its adaptability.