UK Architects RMJM To Design $90m Biotech Facility In Beijing

Main Category: Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 09 May 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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UK architecture firm RMJM has been appointed design architect for a state-of-the-art $US90 million biotechnology research and development centre in Beijing , it was announced recently.

The new facility is for Genzyme Corp. The facility is to be built at Zhongguancun (ZGC) Life Science Park which is dedicated to academic and government research centres as well as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

It will be used for research and development activities for orthopedics, transplant and immune disease, oncology, endocrinology and cardiovascular disease.

The new commission further consolidates RMJM's standing in designing high-tech biomedical science facilities.

The UK-based international firm also designed the National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School (GMS) and The Centre for Translational Medicine at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (YLL). Both of these projects in Singapore are under construction.

RMJM Chief Executive Peter Morrison said: "RMJM has developed an enviable body of expertise in delivering complex research environments that are innovative, beautiful and enduring. New forms of architecture are needed in the life sciences. Our designs respond to changing research methodologies and technologies. We are delighted to be working with Genzyme Corp and to have further opportunities to showcase our concepts on a global stage."

Mr Morrison added: "Genzyme is the ideal client - they value good design, workplace collaboration, and care about the environment. With this project, we'll also be part of the first wave of environmentally proactive architects working to address some of China 's environmental issues."

Inspiration for the design came from Genzyme and RMJM's mutual commitment to environmental responsibility and collaboration.

Innovative green features will create a healthy and comfortable workplace for employees, and reduce its environmental impact. They include: a narrow foot print and 4-story atrium to maximize natural ventilation; living roof to reduce pollution caused by storm water runoff; a solar thermal system that will provide a significant portion of the building's hot water and reduce its energy consumption; low-flow fixtures to limit water usage; a high-performance exterior glass system that will provide employees with significant natural light, contributing to a pleasant working environment, and reducing the facility's dependence on electricity; and a sensored motorized blind system to control light and heat gain.

The facility is expected to be completed by 2010.

About RMJM

UK-based RMJM is one of the world's largest architectural firms. It employs 1200 architects and design professionals in 16 offices around the world: Beijing, Cambridge, Dubai, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hong Kong, London, Moscow, New York, Philadelphia, Princeton, Shanghai, St. Petersburg, Singapore, Warsaw and Washington D.C. RMJM's expertise and design-led approach is successfully demonstrated in on-going projects in more than 15 countries. RMJM designed the Beijing Olympics Media Centre for the 2008 Olympic Games.

http://www.rmjm.com

About Genzyme Corp.

Genzyme is one of the world's leading biotechnology companies. Since 1981, the company has grown from a small start-up to a diversified enterprise with more than 10,000 employees in locations spanning the globe and 2007 revenues of $3.8 billion. In 2007, Genzyme received the National Medal of Technology, the highest honor awarded by the President of the United States for technological innovation.

http://www.genzyme.com