July, 2013
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High-Profile Focus: Life Sciences Facilities Lab / Life. Science. Architecture, Inc. and TRG Builders
Transform R&D headquarters for Idenix
ing developed For over a decade, Idenix Pharmaceua strong workticals, Inc. has leased space in Cambridge ing relationship at 60 Hampshire Street and One Kendall with BMR in Square. As the lease neared its term, the the past, Idedrug discovery comnix decided to pany had to make big have BMR dedecisions about its liver the space real estate options. on a turnkey Sam Wilde, Idenix’s arrangement. Facilities Director, BMR assemhired Lab / Life. Scibled a team ence. Architecture, that included Inc. (LAB) to assist The Richmond in determining their Group /TRG space requirements Mark Reed Builders and and to explore how AHA Engineers, they would fit into a and was led by number of available properties in and out Mark Reed and of the city. Stephanie GoldInitially, the lure of the suburban R&D properties, with bigger footprints and Aerial view of the 40,000sf plan Photo bt Lab / Life. Science. Architecture, Inc. berg, principals at LAB, as delower rents, held sway over the company. with BioMed Realty Trust, Inc. (BMR) Upon closer examination of the company’s whose portfolio of space included an exist- signers and architect of record. Task One was to evaluate the existpriorities, however, the leadership deter- ing lab/office at 320 Bent Street that very mined that Kendall Square best suited their closely approximated the office / chemis- ing conditions and determine the areas that strategic needs. This was primarily due to try / biology ratio that Idenix needed. Ac- had the best potential for laboratory re-use. the access to academic research in the area cording to Wilde, this solution best met the Task Two was to clarify the circulation and the collaborative partnerships Idenix strategic objectives to “upgrade our facil- patterns and clear up a clutter of opaque has enjoyed with other Cambridge-based ity and create a space that better suited our support labs. Task 3 was to re-conceive biotech companies. processes for R&D Research with an open the rabbit warren of office space as a light Never losing sight of the financial environment more suited to open collabo- filled, open office environment. All together, this approach yielded a project plan aspects of the decision to remain in Cam- ration among our personnel.” bridge, Idenix started to focus on a real The existing space was not ideal that met the functional and aesthetic needs estate solution that had retained value in many ways, either from a functional of Idenix at a construction cost that was through the reuse of existing laboratory or an aesthetic standpoint, so it was clear substantially below industry standard. As space. This led them, eventually, to a deal that a transformation was needed. Hav- Dave Mello of the Richmond Group said,
“this is a great example of how to reposition a space on short money.” Key features of the 40,000sf plan are the restoration of large areas of open lab environments for fume hood intense chemistry and bench based biology research. Second is the consolidation of support labs into simple rectilinear bands that reinforce the circulation concept. Third is the creation of an open and glassy lobby, conference, and office space that brings all personnel into easy access of one another. Finally, a 100-person lunch room / conference area sits in the heart of the floor plan, linking the lab and office zones. The vibrantly green furniture in this area evokes a city park and serves as the community hub of the company. The turn-key renovation of lab and office space was delivered on time and on budget in April by the highly communicative and project-focused team of tenant, landlord, architects, engineers and builders. According to Wilde, “The project from design to construction to close-out went very smoothly. The process was open, the communication was very good and the follow up, when necessary, was very thorough. The entire project went as smooth as you’d because of the team atmosphere and open communication. When it came time to relocate the personnel and introduce them to the new space the company was delighted and energized.” Mark Reed is the Principal at LAB/ Life. Science. Architecture, Inc. of Charlewstown, Mass.
Life. Science. Architecture. LAB is a new firm that combines the knowledge and skill of a large firm with the energy of a startup. We have 20 years of lab design experience behind us, and use technology and strategic partnerships to bring an agile, focused and responsive approach your projects. Learn about our approach at labarchitectgroup.com
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