The research conducted at the Waisman Center is innovative and dynamic, so the design plan for the 6th floor laboratories maximizes flexibility to facilitate our ability to respond to the changing demands of science.  The plans involved the complete demolition and remodeling of 10,795 ASF of biological research laboratory space on the 6th floor, and major renovation of 8,882 ASF of preclinical research support space on the 7th floor.

The remodeled 6th floor laboratory space will accommodate up to eight investigators, each with approximately 10-12 scientific staff.  The new laboratory space on the 6th floor has been meticulously designed, with an emphasis on functional adjacencies and personnel flow patterns, to provide an allocation of laboratory, office, research support and conference space on the sixth floor that is ideal for modern molecular, cellular, and genetic research.  The renovated 6th floor now includes 7,745 ASF of laboratory research space; 2,421 ASF of office space for faculty and students; and 629 ASF of conference and reception space.  Each laboratory includes adjacent tissue culture laboratories that can be easily adapted for almost any research function to meet an occupant’s research needs.  The equipment rooms adjacent to each laboratory serve to separate noisy, heat-producing equipment from active laboratory work areas, providing a quiet environment in which scientists can concentrate on their research.  The new space also eliminates highly-tailored spaces devoted to antiquated functions, such as an existing solvent storage room.  Moreover, the new spaces do not duplicate common-use facilities that are available elsewhere in the Waisman Center, such as glasswash facilities, cold rooms, warm rooms and dark rooms. 

The renovated 6th floor not only provides all of the components necessary to make the labs function properly, it also provides an environment that stimulates and inspires the occupants, with alcoves and common gathering and meeting areas that promote both formal and serendipitous interaction among researchers.  Strategic positioning of interior glass allows natural light to reach even the innermost spaces on the 6th floor to create a very pleasant work space for research staff and students.

The renovation of the 7th floor preclinical research support facility significantly improves space that is devoted to serving some of the most critical needs of our biomedical researchers—the care and housing of animal models of disease.  Through reallocation of functional spaces within the facility, the renovation will improve safety, efficiency, security and cleanliness and increase capacity.  The new space adds over 2,000 ASF specifically for behavioral studies that are integral to the Waisman Center’s research program.  In addition, the renovation included significant infrastructure upgrades to replace 30-year old equipment and systems.  

Ultimately, the renovation of the 6th and 7th floors optimizes efficiency, productivity and flexibility and will accommodate the needs of Waisman Center investigators for many years to come.  This important renovation project facilitates ground-breaking discoveries and enhances the translation of new findings to clinical application.