Creating an inspiring and invigorating identity

Designed to support Seattle Children's Research Institute's high standards and commitment to its researchers, this 98,500-square-foot project provides additional research space in their downtown campus with a fit-out of four floors in the Boren Building. The new, high-performance research facility includes robust, efficient labs; comfortable, functional, and flexible work areas; and an inspiring and invigorating environment for tackling some of the nation's biggest health challenges.

Giving Boren a distinct identity, the interior design merges the institute's standards with a new material palette and custom features. Each floor features open lab bench areas along the east curtain wall with offices lining the west curtain wall, as well as shared support rooms in between. The open lab zone includes a shared wet wall with sinks, emergency eyewash/shower stations, and common lab utilities. A strong visual element, the wet wall centralizes the busy lab environment, visually reinforced with accent colors and materials.

Representing a high-performing research environment, transparency and visibility across functions is a key design feature. Open-office seating and private offices are supported by shared conference rooms, focus rooms, phone rooms, and a kitchen with an adjacent exterior terrace. Private offices are enclosed with glass partitions to allow ample daylight, augmented with decorative film or screening for privacy where needed, contributing to overall energy and well-being.