Boston, Mass.—JM Coull has begun construction of a new laboratory for Northeastern University for the
study of aging. The 10-week transformation is taking place within Nightingale Hall on Forsyth Street.
The laboratory is being readied for Dr. Derek Isaacowitz, who will join the Northeastern faculty as
associate professor in January 2012. Prof. Isaacowitz will investigate the link between attention and
emotion throughout the adult lifespan.
The research requires a sound-proof environment, so JM Coull will create four lab rooms, each encased
by three layers of ceiling and an acoustically-treated wall system, and accessed by a double layer
of doors. A cable tray system above the ceiling will connect the lab rooms to a control room and
prepare the facility for technological systems for monitoring and data collection. Ancillary areas will
accommodate work stations for research assistants. The construction team will also perform related
work in adjacent areas within the building.
Because the new lab space is bordered on all sides, top and bottom by classrooms and offices and in
close proximity to sensitive, ongoing research, all of the construction activity is confined to the evening
and nighttime hours. During the university’s winter break the restrictions will be released for a final
push to finish in time to welcome Dr. Isaacowitz.
“We have an aggressive schedule, given the limitations we’ve placed on the work hours,” said John
Sheldon, senior architect with Northeastern University and the project’s architect of record. “But
we’ve worked with JM Coull before and we know what they can do. We have every confidence in our
construction team.”
JM Coull is a design-build and construction management firm specializing in new construction and
renovations for education, healthcare, life sciences, advanced technology and manufacturing.
The company has extensive expertise in laboratories for academic and commercial research and
development.