Perkins & Will

Element Labs at University Research Park

Element Labs at University Research Park

Perkins+Will

Element Labs at University Research Park
© Mark Herboth

ARCHITECTS
Perkins+will

LANDSCAPE DESIGN PRINCIPAL
John Slack

MANUFACTURERS
Usg, 9wood, Coldspring, Kawneer, Mosa Tile, Otis, Panda Windows & Doors, Vetterstone, Wausau Tiles

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Jerry Johnson

ACOUSTICS
Talaske

STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Graef

CIVIL ENGINEERS
Smithgroup

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
Findorff

MECHANICAL DESIGN
Aei

MANAGING PRINCIPAL
Bridget Lesniak, Adana Johns

SENIOR DESIGNER
Max Adams

PROJECT TEAM
Vanessa Eickhoff, Amina Helstern, Andrew Kroll, David Rader, Ryan Chester

SENIOR PROJECT ARCHITECT
James Giebelhausen

PHOTOGRAPHS
Mark Herboth

AREA
147000 M²

YEAR
2022

LOCATION
Madison, United States

CATEGORY
Laboratory, University, Offices

Element Labs at University Research Park
© Mark Herboth

Text description provided by architect.

University Research Park in Madison, WI, designed by global architecture and design firm Perkins&Will, introduces a new model of research park typology.

This site challenges the tradition of research park planning by integrating natural habitats amongst mixed-use buildings to create a vibrant community that is walkable and prioritizes the wellbeing of wildlife.

Element Labs at University Research Park
© Mark Herboth
Element Labs at University Research Park
© Mark Herboth

Element Labs, the new gateway to the campus, sitting prominently at the Northeast corner of the park, will house multiple research companies, including Invenra, a Madison-based lifesciences company. The building is the centerpiece of the emerging Element Collective district, which will contain apartments, a hotel, a fitness center, and restaurants.

Built using Living Design principles, Element Labs is a mixed-use building with office and lab space, a public event space, and, eventually, a restaurant – all within a 147,000-square foot building with five stories of flexible office and lab space above ground and three stories of underground parking.

Element Labs at University Research Park
© Mark Herboth
Element Labs at University Research Park
© Mark Herboth

The building is flanked by a new walkable district streetscape, and a series of naturalized district stormwater ponds, paths, and dense native plants wrap the other faces.

The multi-tenant building is framed by a soaring glass curtain wall expressing the transparency of scientific inquiry. A series of setbacks break up the massing and align the building's scale with its surrounding location. Vertical fins along the exterior glass add detail, create a sense of rhythm, and help to provide shade and regulate temperatures inside.

Element Labs at University Research Park
© Mark Herboth
Element Labs at University Research Park
© Mark Herboth

The ground floor provides amenity spaces for lifescience tenants and the community alike, with a variety of informal gathering areas and Element Hall, a community space with stadium seating, warm wood finishes, advanced AV, and meticulously engineered acoustics for formal presentations, casual meetings, movie nights, or hanging out.

The dramatic space connects to large exterior patios and ponds with two-story glazing. Extending to the east, the terrace connects to the district streetscape, creating overlooks and views of the dynamic changing landscape.

Materials, products, and design respond to Element Lab's natural setting and the commitment to sustainable design.

Element Labs at University Research Park
© Mark Herboth
Element Labs at University Research Park
© Mark Herboth

As a world-class laboratory building, Element Labs is designed with enhanced HVAC, electrical, and plumbing features to support modern lab environments, including the capacity to prevent air recirculation between floors, sufficient exhaust to support fume hoods and cooling, germicidal UV light system, separate electrical metering by floor, vibration control, and backup power generation. Adhering to bird-friendly building standards, a frit pattern was bonded into the interior of the curtain wall to deter bird impact.

The primary goal of the site was to balance stormwater storage needs with a design approach that made this an immersive experience for the public and building tenants alike.

As part of a larger district stormwater approach, the Element Labs site features two stormwater ponds and a bioretention area that stores water for the entire district.

Element Labs at University Research Park
© Mark Herboth
Element Labs at University Research Park
© Mark Herboth

The tiered overflow of cut stone blocks includes stone that is salvaged and reused from the site. These ponds are planted with a mixed native prairie, while native trees frame views to the terrace from the street.

Element Lab is home to Invenra's headquarters and R&D labs on the 3rd and 4th floors. Invenra develops novel therapies for cancer treatment, part of a growing portfolio across a variety of disease categories in the pursuit of treatment innovation.

Element Labs at University Research Park
© Mark Herboth
Element Labs at University Research Park
© Mark Herboth

Their work demonstrates a drive for discovery, lending to an architectural project that is open in nature and creates space for creative collaboration.

The project's flexibility and multi-purpose modularity allow for the plan to seamlessly connect the labs and office space, creating spatial equity for all users as well as 360-degree views.

Element Labs at University Research Park
Plan - Site
Element Labs at University Research Park
Plan - 1st floor / Plan - Typical Floor Test Fit

The materiality of the project is calm and playful, highlighting a modern assembly of neutrals layered in with warm blues, wrapped in a glassy skin connecting to the activated landscape beyond.

Element Lab's remaining space will be occupied by R&D laboratories for multiple UW-Madison schools, agencies, and research institutes, including a 2,500sf BSL3 laboratory.

All told, the project creates opportunities for an immersive experience in the landscape for employees and visitors, highlighting the site and building as a gateway and reinforcing the entry experience to the University Research Park.

Perkins & Will
T +1 212 2517000 F +1 212 2517111
Perkins & Will
1250 Broadway Suite 200, New York, NY 10001, United States