Commercial Architecture April 2017 - 8

DEPARTMENT

the architects

among staff while creating a lasting impression on visitors, likely recruits, and potential donors or investors.
Several of our clients have had success with this approach in the corporate and institutional research sectors.
For two separate projects for a major soft drink and snacks
company we incorporated colorful branding into reception areas, employee break spaces, and "ideation zones"
designed for informal interaction. Meanwhile, for a lab
renovation on Yale Univ.'s West Campus, we applied hexagonal patterns inspired by a particular research area and
etched them onto their glass partitions. The resulting features offer partial privacy, as well as a branded aesthetic
that reinforces the lab's mission.
Design labs to be healthy, inspired workplaces.

Artful elements in support spaces and common areas-such as the colorful lighting in the conference room shown here and the etched design on the
glass partition-can reinforce culture, inspire collaboration, and supplement a lab's apparent prestige. Photo: Jim Fiora, courtesy Svigals+Partners

Since laboratories serve as a tool for research scientists
and their place of work-in some cases, a place where they

great deal. For a Yale Medical School renovation of a leg-

tributing in small but important ways to fostering break-

spend more time than at home-applying sustainable de-

acy building's interior, we used partial dividing walls that

through science.

sign principles is critical to their success.

brought natural daylight into 90% of the facility's interi-

Watch the bottom line. Sustainability makes eco-

or. We also try to provide views to the outside, especially

nomic sense, too. Trying to shave design and construc-

in break rooms and other gathering areas.

tion costs could have a long-term negative impact on the

As an example, it's important to maximize natural
daylighting-which promotes occupant health and productivity in all types of workplaces-throughout the facil-

Likewise, we specify low-VOC furnishings and finish-

ities. This includes using more windows to allow daylight

es and optimize ventilation and airflow, especially in the

into laboratory zones whenever the research modes per-

laboratories. It's another way that providing a healthy,

Working with a design team with significant lab ex-

mit. It's an imperative in all nearby common areas and

comfortable environment supports the well-being and

pertise can help navigate the choices and find a cost-effec-

offices. Careful planning and design can accomplish a

morale of research scientists and their support staff, con-

tive balance between start-up costs and operations bud-

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COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE

APRIL 2017

commercialarchitecturemagazine.com

bottom line, which is critical for institutions and commercial enterprises trying to eke out a competitive edge.

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture April 2017