Collaborative Spaces Bring Diverse Researchers Together
Although still an emerging field, nanotechnology is flourishing on campuses across North America. Proof that this latest branch of science has already established deep roots is visible on many fronts, from the proliferation of federally financed facilities to the intensely competitive recruiting climate that confers rock-star-like status on researchers of international renown.

Limited Funding and Few Precedents Make it Essential to Prioritize
Despite their increasing numbers, nanotechnology research facilities remain a breed apart. The shallow pool of project precedents and a volatile construction market are especially taxing for owners, for whom a nanoscience project is apt to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The few buildings already completed make for a pretty slim playbook. Add in the high cost, always advancing technology, and the redoubled institutional uncertainty surrounding scientist recruitment, and the resulting project is laden with complexity.

Strategies Outline How to Accommodate Future Adaptations
Constructing adaptable research facilities requires an adherence to design principles that espouse flexibility as a key ingredient to meeting tomorrow's needs. The degree of flexibility that must be built into a facility is largely contingent upon the type of programs and research being conducted, especially in light of the ever-changing nature of science. Other factors that must be considered when determining the degree of flexibility required include space management issues, operational and budgetary concerns, the building layout, program complexity, functional requirements, and infrastructure.

Evolving Infrastructure for Rapidly Changing Research
As modern laboratory design becomes increasingly complex the significance of planning interstitial and epistitial support space is more important than ever before. Frequent changes in research emphasis and technology mean that support services must be expandable, flexible, and easily accessed. Decisions regarding mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) spaces are made early in the planning process and are difficult to change once construction begins. As a result, the location and size of service distribution spaces have a significant impact on the future flexibility and cost of any lab.

Flexible Labs Enhance Research Capabilities
The University of Toronto is getting accolades for its cellular and biomolecular research facility that are as significant as the research in it.

Build It and They Will Come--and Pay for the Fit-Out
Four years ago, Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, decided it wanted to create a technology and science complex without knowing exactly who the users would be, and not assign the space until it was largely built.

Built to Establish Stronger Links to Academic Research Community
The new 12-story, 600,000-sf Merck Research Laboratory (MRL Boston), which opened in August of 2004, is currently devoted to the development of therapies for the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Path from Groundbreaking to Completion is a Case Study in Teamwork
In October 2003, Children's Hospital Boston completed an extensive $130-million building in the city's Blackfan Research District. The overall project included construction of a 300,000-sf building, which houses new research and laboratory facilities, in addition to a five-story underground parking facility and widespread upgrades to underground utilities.

Using Facility Features to Guide Recruiting Efforts Part II
Recruiting talented scientists to work at academic and corporate research facilities throughout the country is a difficult job. Recruitment strategies differ between the academic and corporate environments, depending on which facility features are highlighted as being a priority.

Research Facilities Plan for Existing and Future Needs Part II
Chernoff Thompson Architects of Vancouver, British Columbia, has applied its sustainable design strategies to numerous projects. Three case studies, in particular, demonstrate the application of sustainable goals and methodologies.

Simon Fraser University
Not knowing who the users would be during planning of the Technology and Science Complex (TASC2) at Simon Fraser University mandated that the design be flexible enough to accommodate whoever may work there in the future. The design incorporates a generic, modular building layout that is highly flexible.

University of Toronto
The Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research (CCBR) is one of several new University of Toronto buildings to open in the city's medical and health sciences precinct. The Medical and Research Sciences (MaRS) building opened in August 2005 and the Leslie L. Dan Pharmacy Building opened in September 2006.

Millipore Corporation
Located at 80 Ashby Road, the new R&D Center is the cornerstone of Millipore's new Research and Development Campus. The 30-acre, six-building campus will now focus entirely on research and product development and employ some 500 people when fully completed.