Research Laboratory Design Considerations for High-Rise Buildings
Challenge from the Client
IPS recently completed designing and constructing a new corporate headquarters for a gene therapy research organization in a mixed-use, high-rise building. The project presented a unique opportunity to consider laboratory design within an urban setting, where space availability can limit equipment configurations. While the laboratory facility program focused on in-house vector production and purification, providing a collaborative and congenial research environment emerged as a primary design consideration.
As a tenant in a vibrant downtown area, the client also sought to capitalize on the generous distribution of perimeter glazing, natural lighting, and city views afforded the lab and office areas. Given the available footprint limitations, maximizing lab utilization was also a major concern. Process development lab equipment utility provisions also presented a significant building code challenge in a high-rise building.
Our Approach & Solution
The architectural design strategy established a compelling dialogue between the existing central building core and the new program space. This “donut” configuration promoted the placement of labs, offices other “people” spaces along the floor plate perimeter to maximize daylighting opportunities. Conversely, lab support functions were organized along the internal building core area, where natural light and windows were unnecessary or discouraged.
The open lab areas were divided between process development and research functions, bookended by dedicated cell culture labs at each end. A central shared fume hood lab and consumable storage area provided convenient access from both open lab spaces. These local planning symmetries also supported the vector production and analysis workflow. High throughput and benchtop bioreactors require continuous and reliable high-purity oxygen, the storage of which is severely limited on the upper floors of a high-rise facility. A robust oxygen generator system was designed to meet both criteria.
Collaborative spaces outside the laboratory were also created through the careful integration of existing office areas and new social areas. The extensive use of full-height glazing partitions and sliding doors also encouraged daylight penetration toward interior spaces while managing acoustic requirements within the open office area.
The Results
The new gene therapy headquarters illustrates a client-driven, collaborative research environment, maximizing daylighting and lab utilization wherever possible. As the demand for urban, mixed-use laboratory space continues, architectural design solutions should explore research laboratory programming opportunities while considering the unique challenges presented in high-rise facilities. The successful integration of laboratory and office programs within this amenity-rich environment provides teams with an innovative workplace, uniquely positioning future discoveries and attracting talent.
