ARCADIS provided complete architectural and engineering planning and design to BASF for the expansion of their Research Triangle Park, NC facility that included offices, green houses, and laboratories.
Research Laboratory Greenhouse
We designed research laboratory greenhouses comprising more than 15,000 square feet. Initial services included the design for the renovation and expansion of the head-house to support the greenhouses and design development for a new 66,000-square-foot building, including 22,000 square feet of wet-lab space and 44,000 square feet of research/production and office space.
Formulations Laboratory
We served as the technical liaison for BASF during the construction of an 11,000-square-foot formulations laboratory. This facility houses the development of various mixtures and compounds for research and development purposes, and includes a complex network of pipe galleries, compressors, chillers, boilers, and steam lines. In addition, we programmed the project with an emphasis on creating a research-friendly environment to the end users.
The Challenges
Challenges to completed the design include:
- Synthesizing the disparate requirements of research functionality, preferences of scientific staff and corporate standards.
- Ensuring project continuity and efficiency through client staff and project staff changes.
- Working with the City of Durham to obtain stormwater permitting compliance.
- Working with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to meet the necessary traffic improvements.
The Solution
We applied the expertise of our architectural programming specialists, using our PROVE technique to arrive at a design concept that satisfied research science requirements while creating a comfortable environment for the users of the facility.
We assisted our client's engineering staff, on portions of the project that were designed by BASF, by familiarizing them with locally preferred building technologies, building code and professional registration requirements, and by helping to expedite the permitting of BASF's own work.
Innovation and Awards
To save our client time and money on the overall project, we developed innovative solutions for re-routing sanitary sewer and storm drain lines to lessen the amount of rock excavation needed for project completion.
Our work on this project earned an American Council of Engineering Companies of North Carolina (ACENC) Private Client Award.
