Pharmaceutical Design with People in Mind

Jeff Salocks, The Stubbins Associates, Inc.

Objectives:

Because science is very much a collaborative effort, successful research facilities rely as much on the "soft" program areas (break-out rooms, staff lounges, meeting spaces, and cafes) as on the laboratories themselves. These "interaction spaces" fertilize some of the most important discoveries by encouraging communication and collaboration among all staff. This poster will demonstrate that pharmaceutical research facilities are better environments when designed to foster a sense of community. By designing for the humanistic qualities in these interaction spaces it can provide a delightful contrast to the more regimented laboratory environment. Wood floors, limestone walls, fanciful furniture, playful lighting and bright colors can provide an inviting setting for staff and visitors alike.

Findings:

People are the most important resource of any company. In the demanding world of research the stress needs to be alleviated and creative thinking released. A well designed laboratory can be both sterile (in the technical sense) and lively at the same time. The overall design goal is to create a place in which highly intelligent, highly trained, and highly paid staff could happily do their best and most productive work.

Labs21 Connection:

A healthy environment is one that provides for all the senses and the mind alike. The best outcome of designing "green" is that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Biography:

Jeff Salocks, AIA, has over 20 years of experience as an architect and designer specializing in the programming, planning and design of laboratory and research facilities for universities, institutional, healthcare and corporate clients. At present he is the Director of Laboratory and Research Facilities at The Stubbins Associates in Cambridge Massachusetts and has recently designed new research facilities for the Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research and Elixir Pharmaceuticals. He has also programmed and/or designed new laboratory facilities for academic institutions such as Brown University and Dartmouth College. Mr. Salocks holds a BArch degree from Pratt Institute and is a member of the American Institute of Architects. He speaks frequently on the subject of laboratory design for such national organizations as SCUP, Project Kaleidoscope, National Council of Research Administrators and Society of Research Administrators.