Magnetic resonance imaging center drawn to daylight

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Sep 13, 2009

When the Marx Brain Imaging Center at the University of Missouri – Columbia needed to build an addition for a new, advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, it chose MRI-Planning. A division of Jünk Architects PC, and a national leader in the planning and design of MRI projects, MRI-Planning, in turn, chose Kalwall. The famously glare-free daylighting of a Kalwall translucent Wall System was one obvious reason, but another was, literally, invisible: the magnetic fields at the heart of MRI scanners.

These magnetic fields are so strong, they have, over the years, dragged in fire extinguishers, wheelchairs, and floor polishing machines, damaging components. One accident even caused a fatality. In fact, the fields are so large, they can interact with any ferromagnetic materials, such as steel or iron, contained in the building itself, causing the fields to shift. "These projects present some unique design challenges," says Robert Jünk of MRI-Planning. "In limiting the amount of ferromagnetic content of the building's shell, Kalwall, a structural composite with aluminum, is ideal."

Another Kalwall advantage was the ease with which the "large MRI scanner could be installed into the building and later removed when the unit is upgraded," explains Jünk. "This requires an 8-foot by 8-foot opening in the building that's both easily accessible and architecturally appealing. The lightweight, self-supporting Kalwall units" are perfect for this, as panels can be removed for access in the future "without sacrificing aesthetics, insulation value or weathertightness of the building. Kalwall is a finished product; we didn't have to worry about framing/drywall repair or touch-up painting," a common problem "when traditional knock-out wall panels are used."

The typical MRI scan room is an "intimidating, windowless" space, Jünk adds; the apparatus itself can be claustrophobic. Translucent Kalwall brings "glare-free, high-quality daylighting into the areas surrounding the room. We are able to reduce patients' anxiety, yet still provide the MRI technologist glare-free access to the array of computer monitors that are needed." Kalwall also contributes "reduced energy costs from lowering the need for artificial lighting."

Energy savings extend to heating and cooling, too. During the manufacturing process, Kalwall's standard 2-3/4" (70 mm), structural composite, translucent sandwich panels can be infilled with various densities of specialized, translucent insulation. Architects and designers can achieve a thermal insulation value of up to R-20 (U = 0.05 Btu/hr/ft²/°F, or 0.3 W/m²K) and still cover expansive areas with translucent cladding or roofing.

Although Kalwall was not developed with MRI scanners in mind, it's no surprise that this incredibly adaptable product has found yet another niche. Thanks to Kalwall's non-ferromagnetic qualities, researchers from the Marx Brain Imaging Center, surrounding institutions, as well as science, technology and pharmaceutical industries, can continue to unlock the mysteries of the human body and brain.

Marx Brain Imaging Center at the University of Missouri – Columbia
Columbia, MO
Architect: MRI-Planning
Photos by BRS Photography

Kalwall Specifications:
U-value: 0.14 Btu/hr/ft²/°F (0.80 W/m²K)
Light Transmission: 15%
Exterior Color: White
Interior Color: Crystal

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