University Research Park (URP) recently partnered with Valerio Dewalt Train (VDT) to produce a master plan meant to enliven and densify the office parkās existing facilities. A master plan was created with the intention of carving a new road from a bordering main artery street and adding below-grade parking to leave the ground level open for public space and amenities accessible by foot.
The master plan caught the eye of Exact Sciences, a molecular diagnostics company, which led to the company committing to working with URP and VDT to design an office building to serve as its headquarters. The new facility would bring together their executive and R&D teams into a single, collaborative, amenity-rich space.
Ā
Ā
The 135,000-sf buildingās final design, which was shaped by biophilic design principles, comprises two interconnected volumes that sit on the northeast corner of the newly platted site, directly linking to the R&D labs on the south-eastern side. The curving enclosure of the primary volume is composed of bands of glass, ceramic print panels, and a zinc cladding that will patina over time. The exposed concrete structure liftsĀ the organically shaped upper floors to give the appearance that the building is floating over the ground plane and exposing the wooden finish of its underbelly.
Ā
Ā
A double-height lobby is inset underneath while the second floor connects to the southern volume with a large cafeteria space expressed on the exterior with a rectilinear balcony that meets the street. The adjacent glass and steel volume, dubbed āthe link,ā connects to the labs with a stair and backlit panels that glow during evening hours.
Levels three through five feature desks, meeting rooms, and office amenities. Vertical circulation and services are tucked into the buildingās core, which pushes the desk areas to the periphery to provide employees with unobstructed access to natural light and exterior views via floor-to-ceiling glazing. Additionally, three levels of parking are tucked beneath the ground plane.
Along with VDT, the build team also included Potter Lawson (interior designer), Findorff (general contractor), Smith Group (civil engineer), Thornton Tomassetti (structural engineer), and AEI (MEP and fire protection).
Ā
Ā
Related Stories
Office Buildings | Mar 13, 2018
Using workplace data to create connected communities
Workplace data is being put to use by corporate service groups to provide a better employee experience and empower the businesses that are their customers.
Office Buildings | Mar 12, 2018
Sound advice on workplace design
Thoughtful design, paired with a change management program to educate staff, can both enhance connectivity and minimize distractions.Ā Ā
Office Buildings | Mar 6, 2018
C.F. MĆøller Architects and Arkthing win competition to design Icelandic bank building
Landsbankinn is Icelandās largest bank.
Glass and Glazing | Mar 5, 2018
New $5 Billion Apple Headquarters Has a Glass Problem
The substantial use of glass on the interior of Apple Park has caused headaches for some employees, literally.
Office Buildings | Mar 2, 2018
Give your HQ some heart: Creating branded workplaces
These days, if your office space isnāt a true reflection of your brand, youāve missed a big opportunity to connect with your audience.
Office Buildings | Mar 1, 2018
The top seven floors of Macyās State Street store will be converted to office space
The deal is worth $30 million.
Office Buildings | Feb 23, 2018
Why the 'cultural fit' doesn't fit
Evidence shows that companies that hire on or emphasize cultural fitĀ struggle to innovate and change.
Office Buildings | Feb 20, 2018
New Tommy Bahama HQ looks to āMake Life One Long Weekendā for its employees
Approximately 400 employees will occupy the SkB Architects-designed space.
Office Buildings | Feb 20, 2018
Flex and co-working office spaces create value for users, tenants, and developers, according to a new survey
More landlords see these spaces as ālong-term solutions.ā
Office Buildings | Feb 19, 2018
Large photovoltaic āwingsā help eliminate emissions from this Italian headquarters building
The wings have a surface area of over 1,100 sm.