HHMI’s Janelia Farm Research Campus is a world-class biomedical research center, where outstanding scientists from diverse disciplines use emerging and innovative technologies to pursue biology’s most challenging problems. The main research building, dubbed the Landscape Building and designed by Rafael Vinoly, has set the standard for architectural excellence in future development on this campus.
From the earliest stages of conceptual design of the scientific program for Janelia Farm, HHMI planned that visiting scientists would play a major role. Quoting from the original proposal for the establishment of Janelia Farm submitted to the HHMI Trustees in August 2000: "We envision that this site could serve another important and truly unique role in advancing biomedical research. There is currently no well-equipped laboratory facility in the world where a group of scientists can come to work together, each bringing a few members of their research group, for periods ranging from a few weeks to a year."
Meant to supplement the existing hotel for visiting researchers, this apartment building allows the Janelia Farm campus to host them comfortably for longer periods. A direct pedestrian connection to the Landscape Building, in the form of a walkway, makes it easy for the visiting scientists to work in a truly collaborative environment.
WDG Architecture designed this building as part of a highly-competive design-build competition. This winning design uses innovative materials, green design and careful siting to accomplish the strict requirements and demanding program established by the Institute. Taking cues from the ultra-contemporary Landscape Building, this apartment is clad in metal and cementitious panels and incorporates an abundance of glass. The three low-slung "pods" and the goal of LEED® for Homes Platinum certification are meant to minimize the building’s effect on both the campus aesthetic and its environment.
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