Boston’s FORUM building to support cutting-edge life sciences research and development

Global real estate companies Lendlease and Ivanhoé Cambridge recently announced the topping-out of FORUM, a nine-story, 350,000-sf life sciences building in Boston. Located in Boston Landing, a 15-acre mixed-use community, the $545 million project will achieve operational net zero carbon upon completion in 2024.

FORUM’s flexible, 50,000-sf floorplates can accommodate multiple or single-floor tenants in both laboratory and office spaces. Its state-of-the-art mechanical and electrical infrastructure has been engineered to support cutting-edge research and development.

The design by SGA emphasizes the facility’s forward-looking focus, with a curvilinear façade punctuated with copper metal panels and tripled-glazed glass. In addition to a landscaped plaza leading to the double-height lobby, the publicly accessible areas include a community living room and café that can be used for both the building’s and the neighborhood’s programming. The first floor also features an art gallery that will showcase rotating works by local artists.

On the third floor, collaboration spaces in the conference center will serve a variety of meeting sizes and configurations. The third floor also will offer shared tenant amenities, including a kitchen and eating area, plus a 7,000-sf outdoor terrace with cabanas, seating areas, and grilling stations. Private terraces will be available for some tenant spaces.

The façade will integrate 1,600 sf of photovoltaic solar, and a rainwater cistern will reuse captured rainwater for building facilities. The 284-stall parking garage will include electric vehicle charging stations. The building also will have storage for 146 bicycles and on-site locker rooms. The project is targeting LEED Platinum, WiredScore Platinum, and Fitwel certification.

“FORUM reinforces Boston’s reputation as a global hub for medical and biological research while establishing Boston Landing as a destination for leading life sciences companies,” Mark Barer, director of development, Boston, Lendlease, said in a statement.

On the Building Team:
Owner/developer: Lendlease and Ivanhoé Cambridge
Design architect and architect of record: SGA
MEP engineer: BR+A Consulting Engineers
Structural engineer: McNamara Salvia
Construction: Consigli Construction