University of Minnesota
Microbiology Research Facility
Minneapolis, Minn.
Meets Minnesota Sustainable Building Guidelines (B3)
Positioned on the edge of campus within the University of Minnesota’s Biomedical Discovery District (BDD), the Microbiology Research Facility (MRF) is a key addition, designed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers and students within both the BDD and the facility itself.
BWBR led interactive sessions with University faculty members to learn the preferred ways of collaborating and how this affects cross-departmental adjacencies and interactions. The results brought clarity to the overall vision, and played a crucial role in understanding the complexities and interrelations of diseases. Conforming to the vision, a variety of space types are choreographed along the MRF’s main circulation to anticipate, encourage, and catalyze collaboration.
Lab areas are organized in neighborhoods and provide support space for each team right outside of the lab. As one of the first projects to implement the University’s “Smart Labs” initiative, the lab facilities’ mechanical systems make the labs safer and dramatically reduce air volumes without sacrificing air quality. The encompassing space network is dynamic, efficient, and infuses the facility with a practical sense of purpose and a cultural spirit of communication.
Designed in collaboration with lab planner HERA Laboratory Planners.
Size: 89,000 gross sq. ft.
Components: 27 state-of-the-art research laboratories with hoteling spaces for visiting researchers and associated support space; offices for principal investigators and postdoctoral researchers; collaborative work area for graduate students; district resource meeting room and core facilities
Completion: 2015
Katherine Leonidas (retired)
Stephanie McDaniel
Greg Fenton
Craig Peterson
Bryan Desma
Chris Fischer
Kyle Lunke
Jackie Peck
Stephanie Reem
Danny Sim
Jesse Turck