Cryo-Electron Microscopy Center

One of the new Krios Cryo-Transmission Electron Microscope. Photo Credit: Kevin Chu + Jessica Paul
Exterior of the Hammer LL2 construction site. Photo Credit: Pavel Bendov
Exterior of the Hammer LL2 construction site
June 2018: Interior of the construction site. Photo Credit: Pavel Bendov
Demolished interior of Hammer LL2 construction site showing two dug pits
June 2018: Interior of the construction site (opposite angle). Photo Credit: Pavel Bendov
Interior of the Hammer LL2 construction site, showing two open pits
Exterior of the Hammer LL2 construction site, view from LL1. Photo Credit: Pavel Bendov
Exterior of the Hammer LL2 construction site, seen from lower level 1

To support the groundbreaking work of Nobel laureate Dr. Joachim Frank, a new facility was built in what was previously used as a books and journals stacks room. In addition to improving efficiency and collaboration, the new space houses essential new equipment: two new Krios cryo-electron microscopes and a Glacios microscope.

The facility is available to the entire Columbia University research community. For more information on how to access the Cryo-Electron Microscopy Center, visit the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Office for Research website.

Fact Sheet

Client: Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

Project Program: The facility houses three state-of-the-art instruments as well as preparation equipment and data storage/processing in a tightly controlled environment to achieve optimal performance.

Project Scope:

  • The work included structural adjustments to the existing slab, new flooring, painting, and finishes.
  • In addition, the scope included dedicated HVAC and electrical circuitry to support the new equipment and new layout of walls to support the new room program for the equipment.

Project Area: 2,108 sq. ft.

Special Feature(s) or Highlight(s): Cryo-Electron Microscopy is able to determine 3-D structures of a wide size range of macromolecular complexes both isolated and within their native condition at atomic resolution.

Architect: Mitchell Giurgola Architects, LLP

MEP Engineer: R.G. Vanderweil Engineers, LLP

Structural Engineer: Severud Associates Consulting Engineers, PC

Commissioning Agent: AKF Group, LLC

Contractor: Caldwell & Walsh Building Construction, Inc.

Year Completed: 2018