The Rise of Community-Centered Life Sciences Campuses

The life sciences sector is transforming the real estate market, driven by advances in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical research. CBRE projects that 21.3 million square feet of life sciences real estate will be completed this year, a 65% increase from 13.9 million square feet in 2023. This rapid growth has intensified competition to attract tenants, especially those who seek to secure the best talents in R&D. According to CBRE’s US Life Sciences Talent Trends 2024 report, talent acquisition challenges are expected to persist in the industry.

To distinguish their properties, developers are partnering with architecture and design firms to reimagine life sciences facilities as vibrant, welcoming destinations. By emphasizing four key elements – well-being, collaboration, biophilic design and community integration – they are differentiating their properties. By integrating state-of-the-art facilities with unexpected public amenities like beer gardens and outdoor “living rooms,” these developments foster a more holistic environment. This evolution not only redefines how life sciences companies engage with their communities, but also demonstrates how thoughtful laboratory design can drive innovation, paving the way for a new era in campus development.

A Study of Wellbeing in Life Sciences Facilities

On-site gyms were just the beginning. Life sciences campuses are embracing wellness in more holistic ways to increase productivity and job satisfaction for talented individuals typically confined to lab benches. Longfellow Real Estate Partners, developer of the 17-acre Centerpark Labs in San Diego, worked with interdisciplinary design firms HGA and FPBA to create versatile spaces, including indoor and outdoor living areas, lunch spaces, and a grassy, ​​spacious hybrid fitness area. space for various athletic activities.

Additionally, Cell Signaling Technology (CST), a leading provider of antibodies, kits and services, will provide employees and visitors with opportunities to connect with nature at the adjacent state park, The Monoliths, supported by a network of walking trails, overlooks and bicycle facilities at its new research and innovation campus in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts.

In the competitive field of life sciences, talent is increasingly drawn to workplaces that prioritize well-being and work-life balance, which helps mitigate burnout. Carefully designed spaces that allow employees to recharge mentally and physically, improve focus, creativity and collaboration – key drivers of advances in R&D.

Insight Architects

Laboratory spaces were once characterized by isolated environments, designed above all for scientific functionality. Today, flexibility and collaboration take center stage, with architects designing spaces that remove physical barriers to promote interdisciplinary communication and the exchange of ideas. The project design teams at Centerpark Labs and Cell Signaling Technology took this approach by connecting office and laboratory spaces with glass walls, promoting transparency and interaction while maintaining workflow. Additionally, open, flexible layouts allow teams to easily reconfigure spaces as their research evolves, increasing adaptability in this dynamic field.

Research in full bloom

Biophilic design, a popular trend in the office sector, is still a relatively new concept for research facilities. Cell Signaling Technology’s new campus, located on the site of an abandoned granite quarry, will utilize the natural cliff walls and different elevations to create visual interest, active courtyards and outdoor living areas. Centerpark Labs is also incorporating outdoor terraces into its buildings, allowing employees to take advantage of San Diego’s warm climate – a feature more commonly seen on Big Tech campuses and modern suburban offices than in scientific facilities. Durham ID, a 1.7 million square foot mixed-use campus developed by Longfellow, directly connects laboratory and office workers to Morris Green Park, which the company developed in downtown Durham, North Carolina

Life sciences companies are increasingly demonstrating their growing commitment to environmental management. For example, Cell Signaling Technology’s new R&D campus was designed to eliminate the use of fossil fuels and achieve net-zero emissions – a dramatic transformation from its previous life as an environmentally depleted quarry. By using sustainable materials, energy-efficient practices and preserving local flora, life sciences campuses not only contribute to a healthier planet, but also create inviting spaces that attract ecologically conscious talent. This approach reinforces the company’s values ​​and promotes a stronger connection between employees and their environment.

Life science campuses as community destinations

By integrating public-facing amenities such as restaurants, commercial spaces and residential elements, life sciences facilities are becoming community-centric destinations that offer significant value to tenants and the local economy. Durham ID and Centerpark Labs have introduced features like on-site taquerias, coffee shops, yoga studios and even a brewery to encourage public interaction and increase foot traffic. Durham ID’s mixed-use design, which integrates residential units, offices, retail and laboratory spaces, further encourages local engagement, creating a strong sense of community for those who live, work and play in the area.

Wellbeing transcends industries

The transformation of life sciences campuses from isolated laboratories to vibrant hubs of activity reflects the growing importance of well-being and collaboration in today’s workplaces, regardless of field. By creating innovative, flexible spaces that prioritize collaboration and well-being, architectural firms are meeting current needs while anticipating future industry demands. Your ability to create environments that promote innovation, sustainability and community engagement will be essential to attracting and retaining top talent.

In this rapidly evolving landscape, partnerships between life sciences companies and architecture firms will be essential in creating vibrant centers of research and discovery that drive innovation and progress. These next-generation campuses offer much more than functional laboratory spaces; they create dynamic environments where science, community and creativity converge.