海角视频

In Somerville, Massachusetts, a small lab is quietly redefining the future of scientific research. At just 4,000 ft虏, a fully automated facility at 100 Chestnut may be modest in size, but its implications are anything but.

Designed in collaboration with 100 Chestnut’s lab space offers a glimpse into a future where robotics, artificial intelligence, and sustainability converge to reshape how science is conducted.

海角视频’s team has long been at the forefront of designing high-performance research environments. From quantum computing labs in the Netherlands to LEED Platinum-certified biotech campuses in Boston, our projects span the world鈥檚 leading innovation districts. By integrating sustainability, flexibility, and technical precision, our teams are navigating the rapid evolution of life sciences, AI, and automation.

We spoke with John Swift, Global Head of Science and Technology, and Justin Mol茅, US Head of Science and Technology, about the 100 Chestnut lab project, the challenges of designing for automation, and what the future holds for lab environments.

Designing the future of scientific research

What makes the lab at 100 Chestnut so significant in the context of lab automation?

John Swift: The lab is one of the first fully automated research spaces in the U.S. It鈥檚 not just about robots doing experiments – it鈥檚 about rethinking the entire infrastructure that supports scientific inquiry. The lab operates with minimal human presence, managed by a single automation engineer. That鈥檚 a radical shift from traditional labs, where dozens of scientists might share a space. 

Justin Mol茅: What鈥檚 remarkable is how we adapted a speculative core and shell building to support such a specialized use. The infrastructure had to accommodate robotic mobility, high exhaust demands, and significant power loads – all within a space not originally designed for automation. It鈥檚 a testament to the flexibility of our design approach. 

What were some of the unexpected challenges in designing for a robotic lab?

Mol茅: One of the biggest surprises was the need for extremely flat floors. Robots can鈥檛 tolerate even minor slopes or uneven surfaces. Structurally, we had to ensure the slab could support the weight and movement of robotic systems. From an MEP standpoint, the exhaust requirements were more intense than anticipated, especially for a chemistry-focused lab. 

Swift: We also had to rethink assumptions about energy use. You might expect automation to reduce air exchange needs, but in reality, chemical processes still require high ventilation rates, even without people in the room. 

How does this project reflect 海角视频鈥檚 broader philosophy in science and tech design?聽

Swift: Our work is grounded in adaptability and sustainability. The lab at 100 Chestnut sits within a LEED Platinum building we helped design, which is also all-electric ready. That鈥檚 not easy to achieve in a high-performance lab setting, but it shows that energy-intensive science can coexist with aggressive sustainability goals. 

Mol茅: Flexibility is another core principle. We designed the space to evolve – workstations can be reconfigured, power can be rerouted, and infrastructure can scale with future needs. That鈥檚 essential in a field where technology changes rapidly. 

Automation, innovation and the evolving lab landscape

What trends are you seeing in client expectations around lab design?聽

Swift: Clients are increasingly asking for modularity and futureproofing. Even if they鈥檙e not automating on day one, they want to know their space can support it later. That means planning for server capacity, power diversity, and adaptable layouts. 

Mol茅: There鈥檚 also a shift in how space is allocated. Automation reduces the need for traditional lab benches but increases demand for data infrastructure and flexible zones. We鈥檙e seeing more hybrid spaces that blend lab, office, and digital environments. 

How does real estate factor into the future of lab automation?聽

Swift: It鈥檚 a major consideration. Automated labs may have fewer people, but the surrounding environment still matters. Amenities, transit access, and neighborhood character all influence where companies choose to locate. In fact, some argue that amenities become even more important when fewer people are on-site those who are there need compelling reasons to be. 

What sets 海角视频 apart in this space?聽

Mol茅: Depth of experience. We鈥檝e worked with a wide range of tenants, from biotech startups to Fortune 50 companies, and we understand how to balance technical demands with cost-effective design. We don鈥檛 over-engineer, but we don鈥檛 cut corners either.

Swift: And we listen. The lead scientist on the project told us the space turned out exactly as envisioned. That kind of feedback is rare, and it speaks to the strength of our collaborative process. 

As automation, AI, and sustainability continue to reshape the scientific landscape, projects like the lab at 100 Chestnut offer a compelling vision of what鈥檚 possible. Through thoughtful design and deep collaboration, 海角视频 is helping clients stay ahead of the curve by building spaces that not only meet today鈥檚 needs but anticipate tomorrow鈥檚 breakthroughs.