Promega is a global biotechnology company dedicated to advancing life science research and applications. The company’s core values focus on long-term planning, innovative thinking, meticulous attention to detail, adaptability, and transformative growth. The 280,000-square-foot Kornberg Center, named after Nobel Prize-winning biochemist Arthur Kornberg, significantly enhances research capabilities. It supports the development of tools and technologies used in research, drug development, forensic science, clinical and molecular diagnostics, as well as emerging methods and technologies in testing.
Situated on open land surrounded by forests, the center’s design draws inspiration from nature, scientific workflows, and human-centered business practices, fostering an environment conducive to cutting-edge scientific discoveries.
Promega’s corporate culture emphasizes happiness, emotional intelligence, and social awareness. These principles help employees grow by fostering stronger relationships, managing stress effectively, and building meaningful connections. The company offers emotional and social intelligence programs that include one-on-one and group coaching, daily guided meditation, training sessions, and an inaugural new hire training camp.
This building is designed to nurture innovation, collaboration, creative thinking, and personal development, supporting both employee growth and organizational success.
The new workspace at Promega integrates a laboratory environment connected to nature, embodying the company’s culture of inclusivity and collaboration. By prioritizing people, it creates a unique setting that inspires innovation. The laboratory features abundant natural light and views of a bright atrium filled with plants, water elements, and primitive art, all contributing to a space that promotes personal health and well-being.
This design redefines traditional laboratory settings, fostering a fresh and inspiring environment.
To prepare Promega for an uncertain future, 30% of the total laboratory area is designated as “Frontier Space.” This area is reserved for innovation and exploration of new technologies yet to be conceived. The ventilated atrium includes a café and a “third space” designed for informal meetings or casual encounters. A “floating” wooden bridge connects different departments, strengthening collaboration and inspiring new ideas and methodologies.
Scientists benefit from a laboratory space that is double the size of Promega’s previous facility, providing exceptional flexibility to accommodate their experimental needs. This expansion ensures that research is never constrained by space or equipment availability, enabling researchers to eliminate barriers and accelerate scientific progress.
The laboratory fosters collaboration with dedicated internal spaces designed for both quick interactions and in-depth discussions. Surrounding researchers with art integrated into the architecture creates a gallery-like atmosphere that encourages fresh perspectives and inspires problem-solving and discovery.
Promega offers a vibrant and healthy environment, featuring a new buffet restaurant serving fresh, locally sourced food, an on-site garden, a gym, and a sound therapy studio—providing employees with opportunities to enhance their well-being and work-life balance.
Project Drawings
△ Plan View
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
Project Information
Architect: SmithGroup
Area: 26,013 m²
Year: 2021
Photographers: Hillside Media, Tricia Shay Photography, Chris Paskus/C+N Photo
Suppliers: Draper Inc., Terrazzo & Marble, Vitro®
Lead Architect: SmithGroup
Design Team: Jason Smith, Carolina Lopez, Jeff Hrubec, Joe Procunier, Patty Mayle, Mat Nosek, Raquel Guzman Geara, Diane Kase
Client: Promega Corporation
Structural and MEP Engineering: AEI Affiliated Engineers
Civil Engineering: Emmons & Olivier Resources
Location: Fitchburg, United States
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up