Providence, RI – Brown University has unveiled the design for its planned facility for integrated life sciences research, a 7-story, 300,000sf structure that will provide labs and workspace for research in aging, immunity, brain science, cancer, and biomedical engineering, among other fields.
The building will be named the William A. and Ami Kuan Danoff Life Sciences Laboratories — to be referred to commonly as Danoff Laboratories — in recognition of a gift from the couple. Signature elements of the development include state-of-the-art laboratory spaces illuminated by natural light, a street-level education lab accessible to the public, and interior and exterior gathering spaces. The building is being designed by TenBerke, in collaboration with Ballinger.
Powered by 100% renewable electricity with emergency backup for resiliency, the all-electric laboratory building will be a first for Brown and stand as one of the first “net zero” lab constructions in New England. The facility is set to become the largest academic laboratory building in Rhode Island.
“Brown has bold aspirations to develop a biomedical ecosystem where innovations can move seamlessly from research and discovery to solutions with direct, real-life impact for patients and communities,” said University President Christina H. Paxson. “Central to this vision is this cutting-edge research facility where Brown’s exceptional faculty, students and staff will work together to tackle some of the most daunting challenges facing human health globally.”
Rendering courtesy of TenBerke
The building site is on Richmond Street across from Brown’s Warren Alpert Medical School near Ship and Elbow Streets in Providence’s Jewelry District. Noah Biklen, senior principal of TenBerke who is leading the project design team, said the architecture team designed the building’s exterior to ensure its successful integration in the neighborhood, and that the base of the facility will be made from regionally sourced masonry and stone in a nod to the facades of nearby factory buildings. The seven stories will be stacked in a calibrated grid design of metal and glass, inspired by the tactility, depth and tones of the nearby industrial buildings.
At ground level, the building will be surrounded by open space, a publicly accessible patio, and an area designated for a cafe with seating. Passersby will be able to peer inside to the lobby, a flexible auditorium and an education lab. The first floor will also house spaces for interactions with participants in clinical trials for new medical treatments or other patient-based research. Landscaping has been designed with community connections in mind, with paths through and around the building.
Danoff Laboratories will have capacity to provide lab space for 75 principal investigators, with a total of roughly 700 life sciences researchers expected to move into the facility in phases. A physical bridge will connect the building to Brown’s Laboratories for Molecular Medicine at 70 Ship St., which will support research and collaboration continuity.
Mobilization of the site for enabling work began in summer 2024, and pending progress in fundraising and full construction authorization by Brown’s governing board, the university is targeting a 2027 completion date for the building. Suffolk Construction will serve as lead contractor.
