FBI HMER Facility

The FBI Hazardous Materials Evidence Response Facility (HMER) at Redstone Arsenal, AL is intended to serve as a technical training facility for the FBI’s Hazardous Material Response Unit (HMRU) for identification, disarming and safe disposal of suspected Weapons of Mass Destruction, hazardous materials and devices. The facility was primarily designed for the FBI, but will also be utilized by local, state and other federal agencies. It includes ten (10) 30-person Training Classrooms, Administrative and Instructor Offices, Research Library, Lounge with internet cafe, and related training and building support functions.

The design posed several challenges. First, was the development of a facility design that emphasizes and supports a learning environment through careful consideration of noise isolation and sound control for acoustical privacy. The solution to this challenge was achieved by locating classrooms in wings away from common gathering areas and isolating classrooms with sound control partitions.

Second, was the development of an efficient and functional building layout to provide clear and logical circulation patterns to move large numbers of students to and from classrooms. The design solution was to centrally locate common use and gathering functions (lobby, lounge, library, copy, and administrative offices) near the entry and provide access to corridors dedicated only to classrooms.

Third, was the provision of day lighting and a visual connection to the exterior in a facility with a significant portion dedicated to classroom space. The design solution was to provide floor-to-ceiling window walls at east and west entrances and a central core area to maximize glazing and bring day lighting into the common use and gathering areas.