AstraZeneca’s South San Francisco Site is a sustainable, state-of-the-art workplace designed to spur scientific innovation. Situated in the biotechnology hub of the Bay Area, the new, LEED Platinum certified workplace consolidates multiple, distinct business units under a single location, seamlessly integrating laboratory, office and manufacturing spaces into a dynamic life sciences center. The design creates an open, collaborative and flexible environment that can readily adapt to rapidly changing market and organizational demands.

Embracing “Science on Display” as the overarching theme, the workplace challenges laboratory design conventions by maximizing transparency and the integration of lab, office, and public spaces. The ample use of glass throughout the interior improves the quality of workspaces through enhanced visual connectivity, daylighting, and openness. Furthermore, teaming spaces and plug and play arrangements of work areas within the labs encourage collaboration between scientists, giving them the flexibility to adopt new equipment and processes. Ninety percent of regularly occupied workspaces also have views to the outside.

To further interaction among AstraZeneca’s diverse business units, the four-story workplace is designed as an open facility, with staff able to go anywhere in the building (with security-required exceptions). The facility’s egress stair has also been activated to increase vertical connectivity between floors. A multipurpose conferencing and work/lounge area on the first level enables joint activities between organizations.

Moreover, a large central gathering space on each floor serves as a hub for all personnel. Shared amenities have also been incorporated throughout the building, creating a campus-like atmosphere. In between work areas, alternative zones have been created to promote collaboration among teams.

Through the optimization of space and the integration of technology, branding, and hospitality, AstraZeneca’s research and manufacturing hub serves as one of the firm’s most progressive workplaces, enabling the firm to attract and retain the finest talent in the Bay Area.

Photography: David Wakely Photography