Supporting Readiness and Transparency

Located just outside downtown Columbia, South Carolina, on the existing Public Health campus, this public health and environmental laboratory replaces an aging state facility while allowing critical testing operations to continue uninterrupted. Designed in partnership with Caplea Coe Architects, the four-story building strengthens statewide public health preparedness, expands high-risk pathogenic testing capacity and reflects HDR’s long-standing expertise in complex laboratory planning and delivery.

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 1serves 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.