Shortening the time to productive R&D is critical for venture-capitalized life science companies. The time required to design and fit-out a lab can represent an out-sized portion of the time available for research in the funding cycle. Multiple factors make life science real estate challenging to design and build; with its need for heavy structural loads, robust mechanical systems, and a plethora of safety concerns to be taken into account, a life science company looking to move into a new space is easily looking at eight months to a year or more of time to renovate a lab to meet their particular needs.
BioMed Realty Trust, Inc. commissioned Arrowstreet, along with Dan Winny and builder Consigli Construction, to find a solution for this challenge as part of the renovation of the existing building at the company’s 325 Vassar Street. The property is situated in the heart of the East Cambridge life science submarket, and features office and laboratory space to attract life science and other high-tech tenants in close proximity to the MIT campus. The 60,000sf of space is configured with the new Universal Flex Labs™ template: multiple suites that offer flexible laboratory bench and casework systems with ceiling-mounted service carriers.
Office and laboratory support areas feature flexible modular office and casework systems.
The Universal Flex Labs templates for laboratory, office, and support spaces can be quickly and easily customized to suit a wide variety of technical disciplines. The templates maximize operational efficiency and accommodate rapid occupancy. Recently, a tenant was able to begin moving in to its new space at 325 Vassar Street in just three months.
Beyond rapid initial occupancy, the Universal Flex Labs concept allows economic adaptation of the space over time to meet evolving needs at modest construction costs and time losses. Mechanical systems are “plug-and-play”. Bench areas and office areas can be readily reprogrammed.
We are currently working with BioMed Realty to prepare plans to renovate other properties in the Cambridge area into Universal Flex Lab space to increase
desirability of those properties in the vibrant Cambridge life science market.
Rapid readiness and capability for cost-effective change are essential components of success in the field of life science research. Universal Flex Labs provide maximum flexibility and efficiency in the design, development and operation of life science space, all of which are essential to successfully compete in the global economy and keep pace with the evolving metrics for health care financing.
James Batchelor, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C is President & CEO, Arrowstreet, Boston.