Medical Technology Company

TowerPinkster worked alongside design partner HOK to create a world-class research and development facility located on 300 acres in Portage, Michigan. The design was guided by the principle that the state-of-the-art facility needed to be thoughtful, high-functioning, and comfortable to foster a forward-thinking environment that attracts talent, encourages collaboration and camaraderie, and facilitates innovation and design.

The new space emphasizes extensive site views, daylighting, and natural ventilation to create workspaces that encourage collaboration and innovation. Alongside research and development space, the facility also features multiple laboratory and testing areas, including a biomedical skills lab. An operating room showroom complements the customer engagement area. Multiple gathering spaces include a cafe, a tiered lecture hall, a fitness and well-being center, and a commercial kitchen.

The state-of-the-art facility is a one-of-a-kind design that focuses on innovation and sustainability. Housing more than 1,500 employees, the completed facility achieved LEED Silver Certification.

SITE ELEMENTS PLAN
The  Research and Development facility is a $260 million project located in Portage, Michigan. Collaboration with architects, engineers, contractors, and local government was required to develop over 200 acres of former farm land. A close working relationship with the client’s Project Manager allowed for a reiterative design process that took all staff member’s needs into consideration, from design development through construction documentation. The result was a flexible work environment that encourages staff to spend time working, eating and playing outside of the office.

Outdoor spaces provide large and small-scale opportunities for social interaction, while maintaining a connection to the surrounding prairie landscape. Presentation boards of several high-traffic areas, in addition to overall site plans, were provided to the client to give staff members an opportunity for comments and feedback.

Meet the designers! Architect Jason Novotny and Interior Designers Shelbi Iseminger and Yvonne VanWormer talk about the unique design behind this building.