Skip to content
HUP Sleep and Chronobiology Lab
true
Projects

HUP Sleep and Chronobiology Lab

Back to Index

Client Penn Medicine

Location Philadelphia, PA

Scope 2,500 SF

The Sleep and Chronobiology Lab is a unique human research space where subjects are immersed in stressful environments for long periods of time to observe and analyze the body’s ability to adapt and perform.

The research performed in this space helps inform policies related to efforts as varied as troop deployment overseas, TSA security line procedures, and the Mars space mission.

To effectively support this research, the design incorporates a series of sound-isolated rooms which rely on floating floors and spring suspended ceilings with triple-thick walls to achieve a STC 76 rating. The entire subject area is monitored via cameras and microphones and wired for high fidelity sound. A remote Control Area features eight large monitors which are capable of featuring a variety of video feeds. Electrical and data wire mold is provided throughout to maximize flexibility within the space. Each space can be conditioned separately within a large temperature range to allow for heat stress testing.

an exam room containing a bed, cabinet, and desk
a common seating area that contains equipment such as an exercise bike, projector, and computers with privacy screens
view of the kitchenette
a showcase of the varying colored lighting possible in the space. the same view of the lab is shown with red, blue, and green light

A DMX-controlled lighting system allows study of the body’s circadian rhythm by varying luminance levels and color spectrum.