Auburn University Pharmaceutical Research Building

Auburn, AL

This interdisciplinary research building anchors Auburn University's new three-building health sciences complex. It was designed to foster partnerships with the adjacent School of Nursing and Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. The three-story building houses pharmaceutical and interdisciplinary research labs featuring the latest advancements in flexible laboratory design. Adaptable "plug & play" laboratory systems can be customized as research teams move in and out or as projects evolve. A core linear equipment room (LER) provides efficient access to shared laboratory resources and main building services. Primary building controls, panels and valves can be accessed via the LER without disrupting operations in the laboratories. Fixed sinks and chemical fume hoods are located along a "docking wall." All other casework is movable.

The labs are organized to provide a collaborative distribution of Auburn faculty mixed with researchers from outside institutions. This collaboration was critical to the layout of the labs across three levels.

The open lab floor plan promotes transparency, collaboration and views to the exterior. The building is organized to provide a strong architectural connection to a health sciences quadrangle that it shares with the School of Nursing.