Research and Development Headquarters

An exciting new drug discovery company in Cambridge MA, Warp Drive Bio partnered with Third Rock Ventures and Greylock Partners to create a new headquarters for their research. Located in Technology Square, the heart of the Kendall area science hub, the project is a 20,000 SF renovation within a 1960’s structure. Conceived as an engine of development, the laboratories and offices emanate from a central hub, the locus point where the community spaces reside. Reflecting the ever increasing speed of discovery that the company engenders, pathways to the open offices, including the tinted ceiling panel expand as they move outward from the hub, suggesting movement.

The project consists of several types of lab spaces, including mass spectrometry, tissue culture and environmental labs. The design of the lab was developed to allow the spaces to adapt to changes in technology and research. All casework is movable and services are fed from above in a regular pattern. Similarly, the offices are as open as possible while reflecting the need for privacy.

Total Office collaborated on the manufactured desks and furnishings throughout the office spaces. Custom designed, the glass and wood walls of the offices create a completely flat plane; the doors, when closed, align with the glass panels. Within the closed office, the glass walls become white boards. A ribbon-like bench undulates through the rooms along the window, becoming alternately bench and counter while animating and linking the community spaces together. The custom reception desk both reflects the ribbon and the curved form of the lobby space, tying the spaces together visually.