Overview

Algerian Institute of Forensic Science

Algeria National Gendarmarie

The first dedicated forensics laboratory in Algeria, this full-service facility supports biology/DNA, toxicology, drug chemistry, microscopy and firearms testing as well as a range of related functions. The building also contains the country's medical examiner, with complete morgue and autopsy services.

 

Located on a campus constructed for the National Gendarmarie, this animated modernist building features cutting-edge building systems in multiple screened volumes under a roof plane with broad overhangs. SmithGroup collaborated with Stuttgart, Germanys Heinle, Wischer und Partner, the prime architect.


Location
Algiers, Algeria

Size
180,000 gsf

Cost
$63 million



Industry


Specialized Service

Approach

SmithGroup participated in redesigning another firm's initial layout to comply with U.S. forensic lab standards. The design team focused on two issues for the facility: security, due to the sensitive nature of the client's anti-terrorist activities; and the complex multiple tenant groups, including the forensics lab, medical examiner, and a law-enforcement training center.