Building 314: Research and Development Laboratory

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Confidential Agriscience Company

Indianapolis, Indiana

200,000 SF

A research building with a sleek façade featuring a mix of glass, metal, and light-colored panels. The landscaping includes neatly arranged trees, shrubs, and mulch beds. Large windows reflect the partly cloudy sky, and the overall aesthetic is contemporary with a strong geometric design.
A research building with a sleek façade featuring a mix of glass, metal, and light-colored panels. The entrance is highlighted by a covered walkway with a metal canopy supported by perforated columns. The landscaping includes neatly arranged trees, shrubs, and mulch beds. Large windows reflect the partly cloudy sky, and the overall aesthetic is contemporary with a strong geometric design.
This image shows a modern, minimalist corridor or reception area in Building 314. The space features sleek design elements including a black wall panel on the left side, contrasted with a warm wooden accent wall made of horizontal planks. The floor is polished white, creating a reflective surface that enhances the brightness of the space. In the foreground to the right, there are two vibrant red chairs positioned next to a small round table, creating a small waiting area. Through glass partitions in the background, a conference room or meeting space with dark chairs is visible. The ceiling has recessed lighting fixtures that illuminate the hallway evenly. The overall aesthetic combines industrial elements with warm natural materials, characteristic of modern architectural design.
modern and well-lit break room or office cafeteria with a spacious, open layout. A long bar-style counter with white barstools lines the back wall, with pendant lights hanging above. The counter is backed by white cabinets, a television screen displaying a simple icon-based presentation, and blue accent walls. Two refrigerators are positioned in alcoves on either side of the counter. In the foreground, white tables with blue chairs are arranged neatly, with small orange flower vases adding a touch of color. The floor is made of a polished material, reflecting the bright ceiling lights, contributing to the sleek and professional ambiance.
This image shows the interior of a modern institutional building featuring a stylish open-concept design. In the foreground are bright orange lounge chairs and a seating area with a round coffee table. A person in light-colored clothing is walking toward a modern staircase with glass railings and wooden treads that ascends along a white wall on the right side. The space has high ceilings with contemporary spherical pendant lights hanging from above. The left side features large windows letting in natural light. In the background, more orange furniture is visible in what appears to be a communal area. The combination of wood, glass, and white surfaces creates a clean, contemporary aesthetic that's characteristic of modern research facilities designed to promote collaboration and innovation.
This image shows the second floor interior of a modern institutional building featuring a stylish open-concept design. In the foreground is a modern wood divider separating the descending stairs and the hallway. There are also bright orange lounge chairs and a red ottoman. In the background, more orange furniture as well as white and blue furniture are visible in a communal area. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the entire space allow light to flood in. This contemporary aesthetic is characteristic of modern research facilities designed to promote collaboration and innovation.

BSA’s design of the confidential Building 314 supports the process of discovery as a whole. Specifically, the process of discovery is by definition dynamic and changeable. As such, it requires a dynamic and changeable space. The space must support both the inspired efforts of the lone researcher and the collaboration of an interdisciplinary team. This definition was instrumental in the design of Building 314, a  Research and Development Laboratory Building.

Built Environment Supporting Researchers Within

The spaces inside the building are themselves tools for discovery, created to accommodate the evolving nature of research and enable scientists to bring ideas to life and to market. The facility is home to high-tech equipment and modular spaces, customizable for specific projects and adaptable for future needs. As a result, Building 314 supports the entrepreneurial spirit that fosters groundbreaking and life-enhancing discoveries.

Building 314 expands space for the client’s research and development division, as well as addresses their need for additional space. BSA designed the facility to accommodate new technologies to expand their research and development capacity, supporting the client’s mission of shaping the future of agriculture and conducting research that feeds the world.

Advancing Biotech and BioProcessing Research

Building 314 is a two-story facility designed to support 160 employees in a cutting-edge Biotech and BioProcessing lab environment. The facility includes 110,000 square feet of lab and support spaces within its nearly 200,000-square-foot footprint. Additionally, a 14,000-square-foot greenhouse expansion enhances campus research capabilities. The greenhouse features an advanced climate control system for heating, cooling, shading, watering, and fertilization. Adjustable plant growth lighting supports a variety of research and cultivation needs.

Innovative and Sustainable Workplace Design

In addition to the lab space, the BSA design team created an open office design that promotes collaboration among employees. The design integrates wood veneer, stone, tile, and decorative lighting to move away from traditionally-known institutional design. The wood used in the interior of the building is from a reclaimed barn, paying homage to the organization’s agricultural heritage. The addition seamlessly connects to the existing facility through a landscaped courtyard, further enhancing connectivity and employee experience.

The exterior of Building 314 complements the existing architectural vocabulary of the campus. The project team’s design grows the material palette while staying true to the “state-of-the-art” styling represented in the client’s existing facilities and brand.

Inside, modular lab bays provide flexibility and adaptability, allowing easy reconfiguration as research needs evolve. Systematic and modular laboratory bays allow the building’s floor plan to change depending on the department or function. An integrated window system enhances daylighting, promoting productivity and collaboration by drawing natural light into lab and office spaces.

Sustainability and Environmental Commitment

Building 314 achieves LEED certification, further reinforcing the client’s commitment to the environment and their role as an innovator in their market.

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Disciplines

Architecture, Commissioning, Engineering, Planning, Sustainability

Awards

LEED Certified, 2014 AIA Indiana Design Awards: Merit Award, New Construction (Project cost greater than $1 million)