Modernized Lab and Office Space
Umoja Biopharma Headquarters | Seattle, Washington
Merging lab and workspace environments, Umoja Biopharma’s new headquarters creates a hybrid workspace that encourages communication, camaraderie, and dedication to the common goal of treating cancer and autoimmune diseases. Rooted in the concept of a nurse log and spanning three floors, the project contains lab blocks on each floor designed to emphasize collaborative environments.
Concept & Design
When initial design conversations began, the team brainstormed with the client to infuse the space with biophilic elements specific to the Pacific Northwest.
Level 3 represents the environment beneath a nurse log in the forest; a rich cocktail of nutrients is supplied to the surrounding area by the decaying log. This helps build the mycorrhizal network, a connection between fungi and plant roots, helping to move nutrients throughout the forest floor. Level 4 is the nurse log itself, expressed by an undulating, curved feature wall. Level 5, with its sparse expression of wood and lighter colors, represents the new growth that the decaying nurse log facilitates.
This concept permeates not only the design of the built environment, but in the furnishings within the space. A custom furniture system was designed around a central beam that carries power and data, storage components, and privacy screens. Customizable workstation configurations centered around the beam allow for team growth, adaptability, and personalization. Biophilic elements were incorporated using organic shapes, layered materials, and a varied topography to foster a connection with nature. These shapes were also inspired by the architectural constraints of the columns found within the open-office floorplate. The unique curved desks allow Umoja to seamlessly integrate them within the architecture.
As construction begins and changes or unforeseen items come up, the DPR team is quick to flag these items to the owner. Should the cost of these items exceed our teams’ expectations, DPR will do their best to produce alternate solutions that meet the current schedule by working with project partners. Even through closeout, DPR understands the importance of moving quickly and communicating if there are potential savings that can be utilized to cover owner requested changes. Overall, I have found my experience with their cost management process to be exceptional and look forward to working with them again in the future!
Evanne Webster
Westlake Consulting Group
Sustainability
Umoja's office design emphasizes sustainability by eliminating harmful chemicals and carcinogens through eco-friendly materials such as linoleum and cork flooring in lab spaces, locally sourced Douglas Fir for feature walls, and linoleum desk surfaces instead of plastic laminate. Although these choices were costlier than conventional alternatives, they were essential to align the workspace with the client's mission and values. Additionally, the fully reconfigurable lab benches promote future flexibility and reuse, reinforcing the commitment to a sustainable, adaptable environment.
Sustainability
Umoja's office design emphasizes sustainability by eliminating harmful chemicals and carcinogens through eco-friendly materials such as linoleum and cork flooring in lab spaces, locally sourced Douglas Fir for feature walls, and linoleum desk surfaces instead of plastic laminate. Although these choices were costlier than conventional alternatives, they were essential to align the workspace with the client's mission and values. Additionally, the fully reconfigurable lab benches promote future flexibility and reuse, reinforcing the commitment to a sustainable, adaptable environment.
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