HOK
Location Qube 90 Whitfield Street London W1T 4EZ
Contact Details Adrian Gainer RIBA , ARB , Vice President , Head of Science + Technology Tel : + 44 20 7898 5143 fax : + 44 20 7636 1987 Email : adrian . gainer @ hok . com Website : www . hok . com
Flexibility in layout and utilisation
More and more research laboratories and full research parks are being developed by a host of entities : from for-profit developers , economic development corporations and government agencies , to not-for-profits , business incubators , and varied consortia of publicprivate partnerships . For each , there are unique issues related to target occupancy , building cost , financing , construction schedule and occupancy targets , along with appropriate levels and costs of utilities and building infrastructure , building efficiency and flexibility – all for often-unidentified tenants .
Developing a world-class research park plan involves a multi-layered series of analysis and planning tasks that develop data on both strategic / operational and physical issues , the conclusions from which form the basis of effective planning .
HOK ’ s experienced team of master planners , architects and laboratory planners have worked with the full range of these issues and know what makes research parks and speculative labs or incubator facilities function most effectively .
• Careful early planning related to initial building and site costs is important , but so is the impact of design on long term viability , attractiveness to specific users , and the ability to quickly customise interior solutions to meet tenant demands .
• Correct choices about what level of shell and core infrastructure the “ landlord ” will provide and what will be part of tenant fit-up .
• Smart , early decisions about many building elements that are difficult and costly to change or retrofit ( loading and vibration factors ; mechanical infrastructure ; electrical backbone , metering and capacities ; emergency / backup power ; shared vs . tenant supplied specialty spaces and support ).
• Flexibility in layout and utilisation for wet lab , dry lab , or office space .
• Scheduling is key – as building design , materials choices , fast-track scheduling and construction techniques can bring the building to market more quickly – creating opportunities to jump-start cash flow and attract desirable tenants .
Business Affiliates UKSPA Directory 2016 / 17 251