Supporting Readiness and Transparency

Improving community health outcomes, protecting public safety, and strengthening trust in essential health services are the core drivers of the South Carolina Public Health and Environmental Laboratory. This laboratory is designed to expand access to timely, reliable testing while increasing capacity to respond to high-risk pathogens and emerging health threats. Developed in partnership with Caplea Coe Architects, the four-story facility embodies HDR’s expertise in delivering complex laboratory environments that directly support the well-being and resilience of communities. Located on the existing Public Health campus just outside downtown Columbia, South Carolina, the project replaces an aging facility with a modern, forward-looking resource dedicated to safeguarding public health across the state.

Designing for Resilience, Safety and Public Trust

The laboratory supports a wide range of public health and environmental testing, from newborn screening and microbiology to analytical chemistry and radiological services. Balancing stringent biosafety and security requirement with a welcoming public-facing environment, a glass-fronted laboratories, centralized circulation and a designated tour path allow visitors to observe lab operations without disrupting sensitive work.  

Key design features include:

• Chemistry laboratory designated at Level 1 serves as a national surge capacity resource for the CDC
• BSL-3 suites for airborne pathogens, including tuberculosis and special pathogens
• Flexible laboratory modules support evolving testing needs
• Centralized sample accessioning to create productive workflows
• Welcoming design promotes transparency, productivity and educational tours

Safeguarding the Future

The South Carolina Public Health Laboratory provides a modern, resilient platform for protecting communities across the state. By pairing advanced containment laboratories with a transparent, welcoming design, the facility supports critical testing, strengthens emergency response capability and reinforces public confidence in the science that safeguards health for all people in the state.