Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Lab Tours at the 2025 Lab Design Conference in Denver

The 2025 Lab Design Conference in Denver is not just an opportunity to hear from industry experts and network with peers—it's a chance to experience cutting-edge laboratory design firsthand through exclusive, behind-the-scenes facility tours. Enhance your Lab Design Conference experience with an add-on ticket to our guided lab tours, offering an insider’s look at some of Colorado’s most innovative research and educational spaces.

These tours will take place on May 14, 2025. With two morning options and one afternoon tour, attendees can customize their experience to match their interests. Please note that these tours are not included with your conference ticket and must be purchased separately.

Morning Tour Options (Choose One)

There are two options available for the morning tour, which will depart Hilton Denver City Center at 8:15am. You will return by 11:30am.

Option A: Colorado School of Mines—Marquez Hall and CoorsTek Center for Applied Science and Engineering

Dive into the heart of interdisciplinary innovation at the Colorado School of Mines with visits to two standout facilities.

Marquez Hall. Image: Nic Lehoux

Marquez Hall: Designed to transition the Petroleum Engineering Department toward renewable energy research, Marquez Hall boasts a striking L-shaped design that aligns with campus pathways, creating an inviting courtyard. Inside, its blend of simulation rooms, laboratories, and classrooms emphasizes transparency and interaction. The lobby, enclosed by expansive glazed glass walls and topped by a 60-foot cantilevered roof, stands as a testament to modern engineering and design excellence. Sited at the gateway for the new Earth Science Quad, the building supports on-going research and education while serving as a recruiting tool for future students. Science galleries, demonstration laboratories, and transparent simulation labs are integral spaces within the major public areas. As students move through the building, they are exposed to engineering by visually engaging a range of dynamic spaces.

CoorsTek Center for Applied Science and Engineering. Image: Image: Ron Pollard

CoorsTek Center for Applied Science and Engineering: This facility fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, housing advanced laboratories for the Physics Department and the College of Applied Sciences and Engineering. With its 250-foot glazed façade and flexible spaces, CoorsTek connects researchers, students, and the wider campus community. The building’s dynamic mix of glass, aluminum, and terra cotta materials mirrors its mission of innovation and adaptability. Flexibly-arranged active learning classrooms are accessed on the same level, while interdisciplinary teaching and research labs and offices are located on Levels 2 & 3. The building’s exterior is comprised of a combination of transparent and opaque elements composed around views and program, utilizing materials rooted in campus context and the Front Range landscape. The building exemplifies how state-of-the-art facilities can attract and retain new talent while fostering private sector relationships. The Center currently serves as a magnet for new researchers, students, and faculty as well as industry partners.

University of Colorado Anschutz, Anschutz Health Sciences Building. Image: ZGF

Option B: University of Colorado Anschutz, Anschutz Health Sciences Building

The afternoon tour will depart Hilton Denver City Center at 12:30pm. You will return by 4:00pm.

Explore a global leader in medical research and education at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The Anschutz Health Sciences Building integrates spaces for computational research, clinical trials, and medical simulation. With its biophilic design elements, such as natural daylighting and mountain-inspired aesthetics, the building promotes wellness and collaboration. A heat recovery system reduces energy consumption by 60 percent, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. This seven-story interdisciplinary hub exemplifies the future of healthcare and research, blending cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design to advance global medical innovation.

Afternoon Tour

Metropolitan State University of Denver Aerospace & Engineering Sciences Building. Image: Anderson Mason Dale Architects

Metropolitan State University of Denver Aerospace & Engineering Sciences Building

This afternoon tour highlights MSU Denver’s commitment to connecting underserved populations to Colorado’s booming aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. The Aerospace & Engineering Sciences Building is a hub for hands-on learning and industry collaboration. The Advanced Manufacturing Hub on Level 1 immerses students in processes like digital modeling and prototyping, while upper-level offices house industry partners, bridging education and real-world applications. The building’s transparent façade showcases lab activities to the city, embodying a collaborative ethos that drives workforce development. This facility received Honorable Mention: Excellence in Sustainability in Lab Design's inaugural Design Excellence Awards in 2020. 

Secure your spot

Spaces for these exclusive lab tours are limited, so early registration is encouraged. Whether you're interested in renewable energy research, healthcare innovation, or aerospace advancements, these tours provide an unparalleled opportunity to experience state-of-the-art lab design in action.

Don’t miss your chance to explore these groundbreaking facilities—be sure to add a tour to your conference itinerary when you register!