Genzyme Centre Beijing, R&D Building China, Architect, ZGC Project Design, Images

Beijing Genzyme Centre, Zhongguancun Life Science

Contemporary Chinese Architecture design by RMJM Hillier Architects

6 May 2008

Genzyme R&D Centre

Date built: 2008

Design: RMJM Architects

RMJM Hillier to design ‘green’ R&D center in China for biotech leader Genzyme

Western architect and client partner to make a positive contribution to China’s environment

RMJM Hillier, the North American division of U.K.-based RMJM Group, announces that the firm has been selected as design architect and laboratory planner for a 200,000-square-foot, $90 million research and development center in Beijing for Genzyme Corp., one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies.

Located in Zhongguancun (ZGC) Life Science Park, an area dedicated to academic and government research centers as well as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, the new facility will be used for research and development activities for orthopedics, transplant and immune disease, oncology, endocrinology and cardiovascular disease and will accommodate 350 employees.

“Our expertise is in delivering complex research environments that are innovative, beautiful and enduring,” said Steve Gifford, AIA, Design Studio Director, RMJM Hillier. “New forms of architecture are needed to help life sciences clients accelerate the process of discovery, and our designs respond to changing research methodologies that emphasize flexibility, collaboration and sustainability.”

Peter Schubert, AIA, Design Director, commented, “Genzyme is the ideal client – they value good design, workplace collaboration, and care about the environment, and 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.”

This is RMJM Hillier’s second R&D project in China, and fourth in Asia. The firm has also designed research facilities for Rohm and Haas in Shanghai, Duke University-National University of Singapore in Singapore, and LG Electronics in South Korea.

Inspiration for the design came from Genzyme and RMJM Hillier’s mutual commitment to environmental responsibility and collaboration. The research and administrative portions of the building are connected via a sizable light-filled atrium in which a series of horizontal bridges and staircases of varying heights and dimensions promote both a productive and playful movement of people, light and air. The natural and built environments are interwoven through a series of plazas and green spaces that respond to both the interior environment and the exterior landscape.

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 company intends to seek a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating through the U.S. Green Building Council.

Genzyme is seeking necessary governmental authorizations and expects to complete and open the facility in 2010.

Genzyme Centre Beijing architects : RMJM

About RMJM Hillier
RMJM Hillier is the North American division of RMJM, one of the world’s largest architectural firms with projects worth $15 million in the pipeline. The firm employees 1200 architects and design professionals in 16 offices: 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. Key projects include the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh; Okhta Centre project, St. Petersburg; Beijing Olympic Green Convention Centre; and the Alexandria Center for Science and Technology at East River Science Park in New York City.

About Genzyme
One of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, Genzyme is dedicated to making a major positive impact on the lives of people with serious diseases. 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 was chosen to receive the National Medal of Technology, the highest honor awarded by the President of the United States for technological innovation.

Beijing Genzyme Centre – Zhongguancun Life Science images / information from RMJM Hillier

Location: Beijing, People’s Republic of China