At the core of the design are expansive open wet laboratories organized to maximize flexibility and long-term usability. Dedicated support rooms at each row of benching, complete with BSL cabinets and sinks, provide immediate functional support while enhancing operational efficiency. Shared support rooms, cold rooms and cold storage with redundant utilities further strengthen the laboratory’s capacity to accommodate a broad range of research programs and future change.
Equally important to the planning concept is the intentional relationship between laboratory and write-up space. Student research work areas are positioned directly adjacent to the wet labs along fully glazed walls, creating visual continuity between experimentation and analysis while drawing daylight deep into the interior. This transparency promotes engagement, mentorship and a strong sense of shared purpose across the research community.
The suite also includes dedicated offices and lounge space for principal investigators, shared offices for postdoctoral researchers and open workspace for student researchers, supporting a range of work styles from focused study to informal collaboration. Specialized spaces, including animal holding rooms, a procedure room and adjacent staging extend the laboratory’s capabilities and support advanced research functions within a cohesive, carefully orchestrated environment.
Informed by Gresham Smith’s prior experience within the building, the project reflects a nuanced understanding of both the facility and its users. The result is a high-performance research setting that not only meets the technical demands of modern science, but also elevates the daily experience of those working to advance the future of medicine.
