An inspiring R&D building for animal health

When Boehringer Ingelheim was ready to expand within an existing U.S.-based campus, they partnered with CRB to support a strategic expansion within Athens, Georgia. This newly created research and development hub, known as Project VISTA (Value in Site Transformation Athens), sets the stage for groundbreaking discoveries and serves as a beacon of creativity across all disease areas and modalities, shaping the future of animal health.

An innovation hub for R&D

The resulting project is a building that fosters innovation and data sharing between animal health departments. This hub brings together research and development groups into a state-of-the-art facility supporting long-term growth and top talent recruitment. CRB’s scope on the project quickly grew from pre-feasibility into all phases of the project, including architecture, MEP design, lab planning and construction management.

Inside, new offices, cafes and conference rooms were designed to enhance a culture of openness and collaboration. The workplace strategy embraces open, unassigned seating with activity-based spaces. Natural lighting and ample windows were key to the design, allowing for a visual connection between the science and administrative areas. Natural elements combined with carefully selected finishes provide an inspirational space. Throughout this engaging space, functionality maintains the utmost importance with a workspace that includes multiple laboratories with up to BSL-2 designations.

Additionally, a welcoming courtyard was created between the VISTA building and the existing buildings to unify the campus and establish an exterior multi-functional area for meetings, company gatherings and respite spaces.

CRB executed the feasibility, basic and detail design phases and was subsequently involved in preconstruction, estimating, procurement and construction management.