This 107,000 SF facility’s flexible modular laboratories were programmed with a high ratio of support spaces. Alternative concept plans were evaluated and a modified linear equipment room concept was selected. This concept maximizes space efficiency and support space while maintaining flexibility and security. Shared space was maximized so research laboratory space could be reduced to provide a maximum number of laboratory modules.
The site is located at the intersection of green reserve space and nearby bio-medical research, academic and residential facilities. The building partially wraps a parking garage to integrate existing architectural forms while linking an existing research greenhouse above the garage with new research facilities and existing teaching laboratories. Surface parking was redeveloped into quadrangles, circulation paths, an outdoor classroom and a botanical exhibition garden.
This building has a high concentration of shared laboratory support spaces and
graduate student offices. The linear equipment room provides for pedestrian
circulation, mechanical/electrical distribution and space for shared laboratory
equipment. This plan provides security for the laboratory block as a whole and
each individual room. Researcher and graduate offices are located remotely
from the laboratory block so they can be accessed by the public and can benefit
from natural light.