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Designing a Building in the Eyes of a Researcherby Dipali Pathak  When Antony Rodriguez, Ph.D., toured Baylor College of Medicine as a prospective researcher in molecular and human genetics, one of the first things that caught his eye and his imagination was the Margaret M. Alkek Biomedical Research Building, then under construction on BCM's main campus. He saw the building's potential and could imagine himself being a part of the cutting-edge research being conducted there. In the end, it was a factor in Rodriguez leaving Britain to establish a laboratory at BCM as an Assistant Professor of Molecular and Human Genetics. Phrases such as "user friendly" and "plug and play," which generally refer to the latest electronic gadgets available on the market, describe the feel of the newly opened building. Red-walled conference rooms and tall ceilings give the research space a modern twist. The Alkek Building pairs the latest technological advances with customized lab space to pave the way for the future of research. "The design of the new building and its flexibility enable researchers to share space and support collaborative research," said Helen Shepherd, Executive Director in the BCM Office of Research. That was the specific intent along with giving scientists the essential elements of their tasks. "The building was designed so that each space would accommodate the user's needs," said Rita Schack, Director of Planning at BCM. The design of the eight-story, 170,000-square-foot building incorporates the idea of flexible laboratory space, allowing researchers to expand or contract their activities according to their needs. "Almost everything in the lab can be moved to create the user's ideal research space," said Schack. This flexibility leaves room for recruitment and expansion, two important initiatives of BCM's Strategic Plan. "Flex space is what most labs around the world are moving toward, so it's a very appealing feature for prospective researchers," said Schack. With researchers in the building doing work in the areas of cardiovascular sciences, diabetes and metabolic disease, cancer, pharmacogenomics, imaging and informatics and proteomics, the hope is to foster interaction and collaboration among various fields. "Because most of the research in this building is translational, there are many potential collaborators within the various departments," said Rodriguez. The layout of the building reflects this potential for collaboration. Shared equipment corridors have been designed between each laboratory to facilitate discussion among researchers who occupy adjacent lab spaces. Interactive areas on each floor of the building are equipped with kitchens, tables and seating areas that allow researchers to come together to share their work and feed off of one another's ideas. "This type of interaction is key in fostering collaboration," said Rodriguez, who is looking forward to receiving feedback from his colleagues and interacting with researchers who also treat patients to learn more about the clinical aspect of research. For Lawrence Chan, D.Sc., M.B.B.S., Betty Rutherford Chair for Diabetes Research at BCM, the opportunities for collaboration in the new research building will strengthen his research initiatives at BCM's NIH-designated Diabetes and Endocrinology Research Center. Baylor's focus on collaboration was one of the attractive features that led to the NIH designation in January of this year. Diabetes research at Baylor is currently conducted among 57 researchers in 10 departments. As the Center moves into the new research building, there will be opportunities for recruitment and collaboration that could lead to a cure for the disease that affects millions of lives. The collaborative design does not end at the doors of the building, but spills out into a courtyard that connects the building with the rest of Baylor's main campus. A healing garden, fountain and coffee shop will create a friendly atmosphere where the entire school can come together and enjoy the new space. Although all researchers are not expected to be moved in until the end of the year, the building's potential is already apparent. With each new researcher who unpacks boxes and makes the building their new home, the future of research slowly becomes a reality. |
FeaturesTreatments on the Horizon: Chapter and Verse on a Brain Killer Two Brains are Better than One SpotlightCaring for Community at Home and Abroad Injecting a Little Scientist in Every Doctor Designing a Building in the Eyes of a Researcher Laser Treatments Best Left up to Doctors BriefsFalls in Elderly Indicate Illness Findings may Increase Survival after Injuries Some Like it Hot! Structure of Receptor for Chili Pepper and Pain Revealed Beware of Drinking Margaritas in the Sun Development/AlumniBCM Family Participates in Fundraising Campaign BCM Alums take D.C. Fellowships Seed Funding Leads to Breakthroughs Father, Daughter Team up for Health Care
Steps to Discovery and Innovation  BCM's newest building is located on the main campus. It is on Moursund Street between BCM's Jewish Institute for Medical Research Building and Garage 6.
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Volume 4, Issue 2, Summer 2008 |
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| Last modified: October 7, 2008 |