Fluid inspiration

Facing generational changes in expectations for lab research environments, this nationally recognized cancer research institute sought to grow in place while honoring its history in shaping a culture of innovation around its lakefront location. In support of this mission, Flad designed the transformation of 50,000 square feet of space, revitalizing facilities not formerly committed to science, while offering new thinking about placemaking, belonging, and connection.

By drawing inspiration from the fluidity and motion visible in the wake of a boat as it moves through water, the new facilities are designed with collaboration zones that encircle the high-intensity research spaces, providing eddies and nooks for teams to collaborate on the most pressing problems of the day.

Above each of these areas, a wooden boat wake creates a memorable ceiling design, illustrating how people coming together to solve common problems can accelerate progress, leading to rewarding days spent in the company of their peers.

The renovated facilities bring the current evolution of research environments typically seen in higher education environments into a present-day research institute, with collaboration zones offering many varieties of tools for innovation. The state-of-the-art laboratories provide researchers top-tier facilities, while both the laboratories and support spaces offer visual connectivity among interior spaces and access to the site's exceptional waterway views.

Reinforcing group unity, culture, and place, research teams have specially designated spaces to display their mission, with identity, pride, and belonging now leading their story.