Webinar Preview: How to Build a Vivarium—From Vision to Operation
Building a vivarium is one of the most complex and specialized challenges in lab design. From species-specific needs and accreditation standards to operational efficiency and future-proofing, the process requires thoughtful planning and deep expertise. Join Lab Design for an insightful, free webinar on Thursday, July 24 at 1:00pm ET, where expert architects from CO Architects will walk you through the essential strategies for building a successful vivarium—from early planning decisions to operational logistics.
Led by CO Architects’ Jennifer Swedell, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, and Andrew Labov, FAIA, LEED AP, this session will provide a comprehensive overview of best practices for designing vivaria that meet research goals, comply with regulatory requirements, and promote animal welfare.
This webinar qualifies for 1 AIA LU/HSW credit for members of the American Institute of Architects. You can join the live session on July 24 or watch it on demand at your convenience. Attending live also gives you the chance to take part in a Q&A with our design experts—so come ready with your questions!
What you’ll learn:
Define the scope and type of your vivarium: Understand how to determine whether a facility should be new, renovated, standalone, or satellite—and how size and location influence the layout and function.
Plan for species-specific and research-driven requirements: Learn how to accommodate various species, such as rodents or aquatic animals, and support research programs in areas like breeding, immunology, and neuroscience.
Integrate care systems and operational logistics: Discover strategies for incorporating housing systems, piped or bottled water feeding, waste disposal, storage, and delivery logistics to keep your vivarium running efficiently.
Navigate accreditation and compliance: Gain insights into meeting the standards of organizations like AAALAC, NIH, and FDA, and how to address local code and safety requirements to ensure a compliant, high-performing facility.
Who should attend:
This webinar is ideal for architects, lab planners, facilities managers, researchers, and anyone involved in planning vivarium spaces. Whether you’re building a facility from the ground up or renovating an existing space, you’ll walk away with actionable insights that can be applied immediately to your project.
Bonus: live Q&A with the experts
Bring your questions! A live Q&A session will follow the presentation, offering you the opportunity to engage directly with Jennifer and Andy and get personalized answers about your project challenges.
Register now to secure your spot for this free educational session and earn 1 AIA CES LU/HSW credit while gaining a clearer roadmap for designing vivaria that are strategic, functional, and compliant.
Can’t attend on July 24? Sign up now and be notified when the webinar is available for free on demand viewing!
