IU Fames Lab
arcDESIGN presents
Engineering tomorrows biosystems:
A blueprint for future-focused lab design
Three-Story
draw tower
Dr. Alexander Gumennik, Ph.D.,
Director of the FAMES Lab
Class 100,000
clean rooms
FAMES Lab
developed drug-dispensing nerve wraps to promote tissue regeneration and prevent paralysis.
arcDESGIN coordinated the compliant installation of class 100,000 clean rooms – including five class 10,000 clean rooms.
Additionally, overseeing the precise installation of a three-story draw tower – the only one of its kind in the United States.
The Pressing Realities of Intelligent Lab Design
The future of science is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in AI and a growing demand for integrated, intelligent systems. This new frontier requires a paradigm shift in lab design, moving beyond traditional, passive spaces toward highly attuned, interactive ecosystems that empower groundbreaking research.
Indiana University’s Fibers and Additive Manufacturing Enabled Systems (FAMES) Lab stands as a testament to this evolution. Under the direction of Dr. Alexander Gumennik, the FAMES Lab is pioneering the development of smart fibers and textiles embedded with nanotechnology. These biosynthetics promise to revolutionize diverse fields, from trauma medicine to infrastructure monitoring and industrial design to quantum computing.
One pioneering example lies in the development of next-generation nerve wraps that can dispense medicine and prevent paralysis by maintaining tissue health during nerve regeneration. Through collaboration with partners like Cook Medical, IU’s FAMES Lab has transformed this potential into a reality, pushing the boundaries of biomedical device innovation.
A Visionary Environment for Visionary Science
Realizing Dr. Gumennik’s vision demanded a specialized and unprecedented research environment. arcDESIGN rose to the challenge, transforming a former cyclotron facility with five-foot-thick concrete walls into a state-of-the-art laboratory rivaling the most sophisticated commercial research facilities.
This included the highly detailed engineering and construction of five class 10,000 clean rooms and the precise installation of a three-story draw tower – the only one of its kind in the United States.
The retrofit demanded a deep technical understanding, meticulous planning, and unwavering attention to detail to ensure optimal workflow, regulatory compliance, and the flawless installation of sensitive equipment.
arcDESIGNS’s rigorous process, employing advanced space planning technology and detailed schematics, ensured the project remained on budget, on schedule, and aligned with Indiana University’s standards for a clean construction environment.
"In academia in the U.S., there is no comparable lab for smart fiber technology. arcDESIGN delivered a product that is ahead of its time. By optimizing the lab for this specific research program, we have a longer runway before the technology becomes antiquated."
Dr. Alexander Gumennik, Ph.D.
Director of FAMES Lab
arcDESIGNs's predictive lab planning enabled IU's 6,800 sq ft Vehicle Autonomy and Intelligence Lab expansion a year later.
A Trending Arc | Future Proofing Nextgen Lab Design
The era of standardized lab design is over. FAMES Lab highlights a critical shift in lab design. As science accelerates with AI, environments must be engineered for human robotics interplay, advanced materials, and bioergonomic integration.
Success hinges on partnering with a design firm that possesses integrated, multi-disciplinary expertise, a deep technical understanding, and a commitment to building adaptable infrastructure.
During the initial design, arcDESIGN proactively engineered and installed infrastructure for subsequent expansion on a dedicated mezzanine, anticipating the evolving needs of IU’s Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering.
This strategic planning proved invaluable when, within a year, Indiana University commissioned a 6,800-square-foot Vehicle Autonomy and Intelligence Lab in the adjacent space. The pre-installed foundational infrastructure streamlined the project, showcasing the tangible benefits of a forward-thinking design approach.
The success of the IU FAMES Lab is a compelling example of the power of collaborative partnerships and a future-focused philosophy in building the complex environments that drive scientific breakthroughs.
FAMES LAB BY THE NUMBERS
- 2,612 Facilitation and installation of an 1,185 kg (2,612 lb.) Draw Tower
- 8k Overseas sourcing of an 8,000 lb., highly-specialized unit requiring advanced rigging coordination
- 170+ Precise coordination of 170+ highly-advanced pieces of equipment from Finland
PROJECT PARTNERS
-
F.A. Wilhelm Construction
General Contractors
For over 100 years, Wilhelm has been a top Midwest contractor, building Indiana’s prominent civic and healthcare structures. -
Introba
MEP/FP Engineers
A global engineering leader, St. Louis-based Introba delivers safe, sustainable facilities worldwide. -
Arsee Engineers
Structural Engineers
With over 50 years of experience, Indiana-based Arsee Engineers provides structural engineering services, specializing in National Historic Landmarks and other historic preservation projects. -
Vibronics
Vibration Consultant
Vibronics is a leading Midwest vibrations and acoustics consulting firm specializing in digital seismographic instrumentation for nearly 40 years. -
Reliance
Commissioning Agent
Reliance is an award-winning national commissioning agent for major projects. A member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, Reliance works across multiple sectors.
LAB DESIGN BUILT FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCIENCE
Trust is earned, not assumed. It’s forged when a design team listens deeply and demonstrates the technical command to navigate extreme complexities—from ensuring facility integrity in a retrofitted structure to guaranteeing regulatory compliance for highly specialized environments. Choosing a partner without this depth of expertise introduces unacceptable risk, jeopardizing not only budgets and timelines but the very scientific mission at stake.
We believe a successful design must serve not only the immediate need but also future ambition. From the start, we engineered the foundational infrastructure for the next phase of IU’s research, building in the capacity for growth before it was even requested.
Our approach is to assemble a purpose-driven team, specialists who are motivated by the challenge of translating a visionary’s ambition into a functional, future-proofed reality. It’s about building unwavering confidence with every stakeholder through transparent communication and flawless execution.
