In collaboration with a nonprofit research organization and Columbia University, Mitchell Giurgola transformed office space in a former automobile finishing plant on Columbia’s Manhattanville campus into a state-of-the-art biomedical research facility. Scientists and engineers will utilize AI and other advanced techniques to accelerate biological research.

The building presented significant infrastructure challenges in accommodating the requirements of the program. It was necessary to provide new chillers, boiler, air handling unit, laboratory exhaust fan array, electric substation, air compressor, vacuum pump, and an RO/DI system as part of the project.

At the heart of the facility is a large, open wet laboratory with views to adjacent circulation spaces and multi-purpose conference room. This transparency encourages interaction among researchers from multiple disciplines, fostering curiosity, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. Laboratory support spaces for tissue culture, microscopy, imaging, and automation are complemented by extensive computational spaces, offices, and open meeting areas.