The re-design maintains the historic integrity of the existing building--a glass fabrication factory designed in 1920 and listed as an historic structure by the city of Cambridge. Exterior restoration removed block infill and installed new aluminum and glass thermal windows patterned after the original design, based on surviving drawings and photos. A new entrance has been created in the courtyard using one of the original loading bays. The project has been awarded a 1999 Preservation award by the Cambridge Historical Commission, as well as a Reconstruction Award from Building Design and Construction magazine.

A three-level atrium is at the heart of the building, visually linking all floors and bringing natural light into the circulation core of the building. At each level, angled conference room walls act as sculptural elements and provide a strong visual reference between floors. A cafeteria and several conference areas also serve the building's 180 occupants.

The research space houses MPI's gene-sequencing center and associated research space, including wet labs and equipment-intensive sequencing production lines.

Laboratories require a generous floor-to-floor height. At Level 1, however, only nine feet was available to the underside of the concrete slab above. An innovative service distribution system accommodates the extensive MEP infrastructure required for lab and sequencing production lines within this nine-foot total height available. The design team developed exhaust, power, and data systems distribution concepts, which allow sequencing equipment to be serviced from a horizontal rack system. The six-shaft distribution system reduces horizontal runs and eliminates utility "cross overs."

Laboratories on Level 2 take advantage of the high ceilings and expanse of light from the restored 12'-high window bays. Open lab spaces on this level encourage interaction among researchers and alleviates the sense of clutter and claustrophobia common in many conventional labs.

The building systems are planned for maximum tenant flexibility. Supply air can be digitally metered; waste neutralization systems are centralized for maintenance and pH-monitoring adjustment purposes; and a substantial standby power infrastructure is provided.

Utility distribution systems for water, air, gas, vacuum, tel/data, and power are distributed to each lab bench via a suspended service canopy located above the circulation corridors. A perforated steel canopy screens utility systems overhead, incorporates lighting and creates scale along the circulation corridors and establishes continuity from lab to lab. All utility lines are readily accessible above the canopy for maintenance or future modifications.

Project Information
Building Owner:		Millennium Pharmaceuticals
Building Location:		Cambridge, MA UNITED STATES
Project Type:		Renovation
Principal Building Function:		Research and Development
Project Delivery Method:		Construction Management
Project Timeline		Oct 1997 Construction Start Oct 1998 Target Completion
Building Information
Project Includes:		Atrium Conference Room Laboratory: Research Laboratory: Wet R&D
Total GSF:		63,090
Total NSF:		44,000
Efficiency:		70%
Building Population:		180
People Density:		350 gsf/person
Building Services:		RODI, vacuum, CO2 (manifolded)
Special Equip:		Robotics, sequencers, high-throughput screening equipment
Power Req:		25 watts/nsf
Structure/Foundation:		Existing concrete frame with spread footings
Laboratory Parameters
Lab Module:		10'-6" x 25'
Casework Mat'l:		Plastic laminate and epoxy tops with maple veneer casework
Fume Hoods:		19, average 5'
Project Team
Supplier - Biosafety Cabinets		NUAIRE Inc.
Profile Created 05/01/2000
Last Updated 04/04/2006