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Washington University School of Medicine
Couch Biomedical Research Building

Anticipating growth within its School of Medicine, Washington University worked with Goody Clancy to establish a program and master plan for its new medical research precinct. Based on this plan, we then designed a flexible, collaborative building that will serve as a cornerstone for a new era of medical education at the University.

  • Location

    • St. Louis, MO

    Size

    • 215,000 GSF

    Program

    • Open labs/support space, advanced imaging and data space, offices, collaboration space, new outdoor space

    Practice area

    Certifications

    • LEED Gold Certified

Setting a benchmark for collaborative research and future growth on campus

Designed to attract and retain high-caliber genetics and genomics talent, this multi-story research building in the heart of the Medical School campus provides a framework for both collaborative and individual research. The design maximizes internal transparency and spatial flexibility to help create an environment that fosters interaction and innovation. Spaces are designed to be adaptable, able to evolve to meet future needs and adapt to laboratory design trends. Anticipating future development, the building is designed for a future bridge to connect with the next building on the block.

Transparent design fosters interaction and innovation among researchers and staff

Labs and support spaces are open, warm, and inviting, designed with ample access to natural daylight and views, and taking advantage of “borrowed light” through glazed walls and doors. Flexibility is achieved at every level: each floor is composed of three modules, each module has flexible casework, and bench-adjacent support is standardized. The design maximizes internal transparency and adaptability to help create an environment that promotes collaboration and synergy.

Linear equipment rooms are placed along the length of the entire floor, connecting to each lab zone.

The corridor running through each floor terminates in glazed “nooks,” places for socializing and recharging.

Marked by wooden ceilings visible from the building’s exterior, collaboration lounges adjacent to the central open stair form the social heart of each floor.

Warm and inviting collaboration spaces are flooded with daylight and views of the growing campus.

Project impact
  • 42%

    Energy use reduction below ASHRAE 90.1

  • 5

    Food trucks provided with electrical hook-ups around the new green, a space of natural relief and deliciousness that resulted from the project’s planning phase.

We wanted the design of this building to be functional and inspirational…By bringing together scientists from different fields and disciplines, we have created an environment to foster new discoveries and ideas.
Jennifer K. Lodge, PhDVice Chancellor for Research for the University

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Project Team

Christner

Code Consultants

Engineering Design Source

Jacobs Consultancy

KJWW Engineering Consultants

Open Field Design

Optimal Engineering Solutions

Swett & Associates

Wil-Spec

Photography

Robert Benson

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