A Collaborative Building Design That Provides Research Space for Childhood Neurological Diseases

According to the World Health Organization, 1 billion people worldwide, including 300 million children, are affected by neurological disease. Working to accelerate the pace of breakthroughs in the field, Texas Children’s Hospital recently opened the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (NRI), the world’s first basic research facility dedicated to childhood neurological diseases. Designed by Perkins+Will and located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center in Houston, this 13-story, 400,000-square-foot facility contains open research spaces dubbed “collaboratories” because they facilitate the institute’s innovative multidisciplinary approach that brings together scientists from diverse disciplines such as genetics, neurobiology, physics, mathematics, bioinformatics, and behavioral psychology. Opened in December 2010, the institute houses 15 principal investigators and their research teams of 130 scientists. Its design and location are also well suited for the collaboration of Texas Children’s with its academic partner, Baylor College of Medicine; neighboring institutions Rice University and University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; and Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), based in Naples, Italy (see Figure 1).

Figure 1 - Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute. (Photographs by Nick Merrick© Hedrich Blessing; courtesy of Perkins+Will.)

Figure 2 - Twisting tower and its double helix formed columns.

To encourage successful research outcomes, Texas Children’s sought inspiring architecture to foster collaboration, discovery, and innovation in a highly flexible environment that is readily adaptable to changing research methods and technology. This became the driving goal for Perkins+Will’s design. Through a collaborative charrette that brought together architects, engineers, contractors, Texas Children’s Hospital facility staff, and researchers, a design concept to nurture collaboration was conceived.

The big design idea of fostering collaboration in research is represented in the twisting tower, a signature feature of the building’s design (see Figure 2). The flow of ideas and people through the base of the tower generates momentum that starts the rotation of the tower, which became known as the “vertical bridge” that connects the research floors.

The vertical bridge faces a prominent intersection in the Texas Medical Center. On every floor, the tower plates rotate four degrees to suggest life-altering research occurring within the institute; additionally, the structural columns in the twisting tower lean and string together to illustrate the double helix form of a DNA strand, hinting at the science and discoveries happening within. The combination of horizontal and vertical bridges signifies the three-dimensional flow of ideas and people, with collaboration occurring on multiple levels and planes. Along with the institute’s “collaboratories,” the NRI is designed to foster broader collaboration with nearby institutions.

The theme of collaboration actually starts before one enters the building. On the ground level, retaining walls and sidewalks are arranged as a continuation of the tower’s rotational momentum and energy, extending into an outdoor plaza with concrete pavers that offset from each other. The plaza is an important collaborative space, whether hosting outdoor speaking events, serving as an outdoor dining area for the adjacent food court, or just inviting researchers to carry their conversations outside.

Figure 3 - Photograph from stair looking down into lobby.

The collaboration theme is also apparent as one enters the building. The open lobby has a spiral DNA-form stairway that draws people up to the second floor (see Figure 3). The light-filled lobby draws in visitors, and its seating area encourages interaction. The colorful, weaving terrazzo floor pattern suggests the intermingling concept of collaboration as well as the DNA strand. Additionally, as the tower rises, its twist gives each level a unique perspective of the Texas Medical Center and downtown Houston. Although the views change, each floor has panoramic vista and the open spaces all have ample sunlight, providing a hub for information exchange and an inspiring work environment.

The conference center immediately adjacent to the lobby and the plaza has movable furniture that can be configured to various layouts to suit the type of event held. An operable partition divides the space into two smaller conference spaces. State-of-the-art equipment here ensures the scientists have the latest tools they need to present and communicate their discoveries and ideas. The lobby and plaza serve as pre- and postmeeting gathering spaces for collegial discussions.

Figure 4 - Level 13 collaboration space.

The institute supports the notion of healthy body/healthy mind, most notably in a wellness center located on Level 11. It houses treadmills, elliptical machines, free weights, and an area for yoga. The adjacent break area provides a comfortable space to unwind postworkout as well as a relaxed venue for discussing ideas with colleagues. The institute also encourages bicycle transportation, and shower facilities are provided on every research floor.

Level 12 is a collaboration space with movable tables and chairs to facilitate discussions and also serves as an additional break area. On level 13, a café with a kiosk to serve salads, sandwiches, and healthy snacks further supports the notion of healthy body/healthy mind. After hours, furniture in this two-story open space can be reconfigured into a lounge, providing dramatic sunset views for researchers to recap their day’s achievement. Levels 11–13 are also connected by an open spiral stair that rotates along with the tower (see Figure 4).

Figure 5 - Daylight and views permeating into the laboratories.

In addition to these open spaces, conference rooms of varying sizes dispersed throughout every floor facilitate formal meetings as well as quiet reflection. All these rooms have an abundance of daylight and views. The institute is targeting a Silver USGBC LEED for Core and Shell certification with several sustainable design strategies. A combination of sunshade devices, light shelves, sloped ceilings, and a daylight harvesting system contribute to a high volume of daylight permeating into laboratories, while at the same time reducing energy use in lighting (see Figure 5). An indoor environmental quality system coupled with a tight building envelope reduces energy consumption in the mechanical system. In addition, most of the building materials either contain recycled content or are manufactured or assembled locally. With the building’s proximity to Houston’s major bus routes and light rail system, it qualifies for public transportation credits.

The thoughtful planning and design of the NRI will help to facilitate the vision of its leaders as an important crossroads where ideas come together and new thoughts are generated that benefit children worldwide who suffer from neurological diseases.

Mr. Chan is a Senior Associate and Project Manager, Perkins+Will, 1001 McKinney, Ste. 1300, Houston, TX 77002, U.S.A.; tel.: 713-366-4000; e-mail: [email protected].