Image courtesy Diamond Schmitt Architects
McMaster University and the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology are collaborating at McMaster Innovation Park in Hamilton to develop the Project Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing (BEAM), which focuses on the fast-emerging cell therapies field.
Diamond Schmitt Architects will renovate and provide 1858 m2 (20,000 sf) of space within the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC) to accommodate office, research, and manufacturing facilities. An additional 1858 m2 on the second floor will be prepared for future laboratory and office use.
At a ceremony, Navdeep Bains, federal minister of innovation, science, and economic development, said Ottawa will contribute $12 million toward the $33-million facility, where researchers will develop technologies for eye care, point-of-care medical devices, and cancer treatments.
A modular approach defines the layout and planning of the Containment Level 2 Laboratory Zones. Open-concept island benches with top-down servicing will achieve the maximum amount of usable floor space for equipment and benching, while maintaining safe distances between the facing work areas for circulation.
The design approach to group-shared resources extends to the interior design concept for the showroom, which will be flexible and reconfigurable to showcase the development of products, devices, and tools. The showroom will have sliding operable panels for maximum flexibility to reconfigure into one large space or subdivide into smaller meeting rooms.
“The new facilities will ensure BEAM scientists have the infrastructure required to move their research on biomaterials, diagnostics, and cell therapies, into market-ready technologies,” said Frank Emmrick, Fraunhofer Institute director.
In keeping with the mandate of McMaster Innovation Park to attain minimum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver for all its buildings, the design for BEAM incorporates numerous sustainable design initiatives, including:
- non-toxic products and green construction measures;
- indoor air quality (IAQ);
- recycled content;
- efficient lighting;
- reduced water usage; and
- daylight and views.
CanmetMATERIALS, a LEED Platinum research centre for fabricating, processing, and evaluating metals and materials, is adjacent to BEAM and was also designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects.
