Collaboration Yields Great Results
We are collaborating with the architects in the design of a new 84,000 square-feet Forensic Science Center to house the Medical Examiner’s Office and the County Veterinary Laboratory. Based on a thirty year strategic and operational plan, the design brings together the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office and the County Veterinary Laboratory which share common service, education, and research needs. The structural system consists of structural steel with concrete over metal deck floor and roof diaphragms. Special care was taken in the design of the floor structure to ensure the user’s vibration criteria were met. The lateral system consists of special steel moment resisting frames in both principle directions.

The medical units monitor the health of San Diego’s residents, human and animal. The agencies currently share resources and will share common spaces such as conference rooms and a library in the facility. The new facility expands laboratory and support spaces as well as advanced imaging and molecular diagnostic capabilities. Expanded capabilities for both agencies should result from the co-location. The design meets the service, education, and research needs of both activities while incorporating the demands of public access and security.