The Management Information Center (MIC) is a secure conference and lounge facility for the Department of the Navy that accommodates up to 220 people for sensitive and secret briefings and presentations. Features of the MIC include a lounge with beverage and food serving capabilities, a high-tech audio/visual system, computer grade electrical power, a state-of-the-art HVAC system for environmental control, and stringent acoustical attenuation construction to strictly control the sound transfer both within the Center and to the outside of the Center.

Because of the sensitive nature of this project, the design was presented to the Navy in four progress submissions at 30, 60, 90, and 100%. This process allowed the Navy to become involved in the design as it evolved to insure that their many requirements were satisfied.

To meet local jurisdiction requirements and to provide superior indoor air quality in the lounge and conference room, WNA specified custom 100% outside air conditioning units as the first stage of cooling and heating for each space. A second two stage air conditioning system for each space provides additional cooling and dehumidification as the occupancy load in each area varies. Relief air fans control the pressure in the space. Outside air and relief air were ducted through louvers installed in place of two windows in each area. WNA worked closely with the architect to design special acoustically treated mechanical rooms for the HVAC system equipment to prevent noise from the HVAC system from infiltrating into the conference room and lounge. Our ductwork design incorporated sound absorbing materials and special acoustical treatments to make sure that the occupants heard the speaker, not the HVAC system.

To allow for safe operation of sensitive computer and audio visual equipment, the electrical system reduces harmful currents and voltages using harmonic cancellation equipment and surge suppressors. In addition, WNA designed a multi-zone and multi-source dimming system to accommodate the various functions held in the conference center. WNA carefully coordinated the MEP systems with the architect to ensure that all of the required equipment could be installed in special bulkheads allowing for a high ceiling in most areas.

The resulting systems provided the Department of the Navy with a flexible, quiet, state-of-the-art, and secure space for sensitive operations.