The Amgen Research and Development Center was a multiphase development for 29 acres of industrial harbor-front property north of downtown Seattle, WA. Ultimately the campus housed 2,400 employees in 15 buildings, totaling 1,300,000 NSF with structured parking for 1,500 cars and a self-contained central utility system. The project master plan was designed to meet both the technical requirements of biotechnology research and to take advantage of the dramatic site opportunities. Johnson Oaklief Architecture and Planning was responsible for overall project management, coordination of the master planning team, management of the EIS process, land use analysis and permitting, programming of non-scientific facilities and community presentations and design of a picnic shelter.

The Helix Bridge is a 400’ pedestrian bridge linking Elliott Bay Park and the Amgen Research and Development Center to the lower Kinnear Park and Queen Anne hill at W. Prospect Street in Seattle. The bridge is formed by a single clear span arch supported by a pair of canted arches, creating an abstract image of the double helix DNA form. The bridge is clad in stainless steel, mesh and tensioned fabric as it crosses the Burlington Northern railway.