Bocas del Toro Research Station - Smithsonian Tropical Research ...

The explosive success of the BRS and the rapidly
increasing number of scientific visitors is reflected
in the statistics on station usage (see graph).
Accommodations offered by the station have kept
pace with this growth aided by the January 2006
inauguration of Casa Hoch and Casa Cofrin. With
their completion, BRS housing capacity increased
from 16 to 24 people and now includes more
appropriate housing for long-term visitors and
senior researchers.
Continued growth has prompted plans for additional
housing at the station. With generous donations
from the Cofrin and Hoch families, plans are
in place for the design and construction of an
additional dormitory and dining hall complex.
We anticipate that ground will be broken for
construction in 2009. With the completion of
the new dormitory, the station’s capacity to
house visitors will increase by nearly 50%. The
2007 update of STRI’s master plan calls for the
construction of conference and office facilities,
expansion of the dock, and increased laboratory
space as priority projects for future development.
An architect’s concept for the new housing complex at the BRS ties
in design elements from the laboratory building and the existing
dormitory. Although the design is still being finalized, it is clear that
the new facilities will include a building for cooking and socializing
and at least one other building for sleeping.
9
Scientific Person Days
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
BRS Usage Intensity
1949
2918 2918
3495
5295
1000
855
590
0
FY-01 FY-02 FY-03 FY-04 FY-05 FY-06 FY-07
Fiscal Year
Station usage has increased by 400% over the last 6 years.
Existing kitchen and dining facilities make it possible for staff and students
to do their own cooking. Local chefs who prepare Caribbean cuisine are
often hired to cook for larger groups or courses.