The New York Blood Center (NYBC) is one of the nation’s largest blood processing and distribution organizations, providing blood and blood products for more than 1 million transfusions annually. In addition, NYBC is home to the Lindsay F. Kimball Research Institute for basic and applied research in hematology and transfusion medicine, as well as cutting-edge stem cell and cord blood research programs.

The conversion of this 75,000 square foot warehouse in Long Island City created an opportunity to design a facility to promote collaboration and innovation by providing a rich, innovative and humane environment. The facility is organized around a daylight central spine flanked by blood processing/production on one side and research and QA/QC labs on the other. Researchers and technicians from the various programs share open work stations within the spine, with intermixed huddle spaces, creating the opportunity for spontaneous interaction and collaboration.

An important component of this renovation was the conversion of a 6,500 square foot mezzanine into a Departmental and Administrative office suite. The new suite includes both open work stations and individual offices, and the configuration takes advantage of both natural light and the views towards the east side of Manhattan. Suspended acoustic fiberglass panels control the noise level while acting as reflectors for the direct/indirect light fixtures.

- See more at: http://www2.nkarchitects.com/project/new-york-blood-center/#sthash.Y8qQT4DB.dpuf