Svigals + Partners helped plan an efficient yet comfortable and uplifting home for research within the existing Bayer Buildings on what is now Yale School of Medicine’s West Campus. We strategically combined existing resources with a sunny, fresh new look that would attract the leaders of the brand new scientific institutes. The resulting renovation reduced costs by as much as 50 percent.

Beyond blending old and new, a key to making the lab spaces work was providing generic solutions for the many unknowns of science research. Since the nature of the scientific institutes and their research programs are still in development, we employed techniques for adaptable uses and space allocation models that can change easily over time. The lab systems include flexible casework, plug-and-play mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, rolling cabinets and other modular, pre-engineered solutions. Existing fixed benches already in the Bayer buildings were used, where possible, as well as counters and lab bench surfaces. Hoods used to evacuate air in experiment zones were also refurbished.

In addition to meeting the technical and budgetary constraints of the project, we also used our signature design approach for creating a comfortable, uplifting and fresh interiors. Ample daylight passes through glass partitions and doors – some with a fritted pattern suggesting a biological or molecular pattern – into spaces with ample wood surfaces and wood-grain floors and casework. Brightly colored walls, lightweight furnishings and nature-inspired textiles further reinforce the friendly, welcoming appearance of WB-24.