Situated in Waltham, Mass., 103 CityPoint is a state-of-the-art life sciences facility designed to house laboratory, cGMP manufacturing, and office spaces under one roof. Developed by Boston Properties (BXP) and designed by Boston-based firm TRIA, the building’s innovative layout reflects an industry trend: consolidating research, development, and manufacturing operations to foster efficiency, collaboration, and speed-to-market.
BXP set out to redefine conventional life sciences facilities by seamlessly integrating diverse functions in a single building. Their vision: a multifunctional, adaptable space that would foster innovation and support various tenant needs—whether for labs, manufacturing, or offices. Yet, achieving this level of flexibility presented unique challenges. Balancing functional requirements with modern design, meeting stringent energy codes, and attaining LEED certification, all while optimizing the indoor environment for occupant well-being.
To address these challenges, a proprietary wall system and proprietary cladding were integrated into the building’s design.
The translucent wall system delivers abundant, glare-free daylight to office and lab areas, significantly enhancing indoor lighting quality while reducing dependency on electric lighting. This system contributed to the building’s energy efficiency and helped secure its LEED Silver certification.
The translucent cladding was selected for its versatility and ability to complement the aesthetic of the wall system, enhancing the more industrial, non-conditioned sections of the facility and helping bring the two spaces together. The modern look of the translucent wall systems during daytime hours is accentuated even more by the integration of LED lighting that allows for eye-catching light displays, creating a welcoming and playful exterior that blends the two different translucent panel sections and sets the stage for the building’s innovative interior environment.
“This facility embodies the innovation and collaboration needed in today’s life sciences world,” said Dan Szczebak, principal-in-charge at TRIA. “By integrating research, development, and manufacturing into one flexible space, we’ve created a facility that can evolve with our tenants’ needs. The daylighting systems not only enhanced the building’s sustainability but also helped us create a bright, inviting atmosphere for the cutting-edge work taking place here.”
