How did you ensure the space has multipurpose benefits, and is also flexible?
We started with a great shell and worked hard to open the space and increase the flow, which adds flexibility. Colors were chosen to be warm and inviting and the furniture selections were based on functionality and not flash. This space/furniture combination provides fixed multipurpose gathering spaces, but also, easy reconfiguration supporting multiple needs.
Client growth is a key metric of our success. Our mission is to identify high potential growth companies, so we needed to have expansion as a core tenet of our design. Our lab model allows companies to start small in a lab pod, which is attached to a shared lab facility. This is critical as our companies do not need to fill their lab with equipment that we can sponsor providing greater growth potential for the given space. Once they outgrow a pod, we can readily graduate a company to a larger lab or multiple labs, all in a minimally disruptive way.
Since so many of the tenants are lab workers, what is the sense of pride in developing this space during the time of COVID-19?
Our project was mostly complete when COVID-19 hit, so, thankfully, it did not impact construction. The pride really comes from allowing our critical workers to work in a complex technology arena safely and we spend a great deal of time focused on continuing operations and the safety of our clients. One challenge arises from the community aspect which, because of the personal connection aspect, is very challenging to deliver in today’s virtual environment. We continue to provide meeting, communication, and seminar options to help in every way possible.
When you look at the finished product, what do you feel will be its impact on society?
Being a scientist, I see the potential of the next generation of scientists and the wonderful new technologies and innovative products being developed. Our potential societal impact is derived from the challenges facing our planet. We have companies working on new energy solutions, cures for cancer, ways to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs), and new approaches to agriculture and aquaculture, just to name a few. These are the investments that will drive a better tomorrow for our global neighbors. What could be more exciting?
Anything else?
I would like to call out the partnerships that make this all possible. The lab facility is vital but working with such a great in-house team and wonderful partnerships at the industrial, academic, local, and federal levels is critical to our success. As a nonprofit, we are blessed to have such a vibrant ecosystem to support our efforts and I cannot wait to see what the next few years will hold.
Do you have a project you think is worthy of a ‘Behind the Build’ story? We would love to hear about it, along with some insight on your specific project’s history, and how it benefits the community. Send your suggestions to marketing@csinet.org.
Peter Kray is a content strategist with CSI. He can be reached at pkray@csinet.org.
