Life Science

Affinivax Completes Cambridge HQ

Photo by Elisif Photography

Boston – Architecture firm TRIA announced it has completed the design of a new 50,000sf headquarters for Affinivax, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering the development of a novel class of vaccines with its Multiple Antigen Presenting System (MAPS) platform.

Moving locations from shared laboratory space at LabCentral to a leased third floor suite at 301 Binney Street in Kendall Square in Cambridge, Affinivax’s new headquarters features a mix of office, lab, amenity, and collaboration areas. The space was specially designed to support the company’s scientific research mission and growth while reflecting the company’s collaborative culture.

The existing core of the building houses a sizeable mechanical space, resulting in a large circular floor plan that created a challenge for the team when it came to connecting the office and lab spaces. TRIA addressed this challenge by designing a central corridor which circles around the existing MEP building core, establishing a path from office to lab while serving as the main circulation route through the lab zone. This “path” is highlighted through the use of special flooring, lighting and ceilings, helping to guide visitors and employees through the space.

The use of glass provides extensive visibility into the labs, and the transparency opens up the floor plan and draws natural light throughout Affinivax, creating a visual connection between the core and the exterior. Open offices and collaborative spaces with seating are located along the perimeter to take advantage of natural light; conference huddle spaces are situated in the middle, and private offices are located in the interior of the space.

Using a variety of huddle areas in both the lab and office, as well as a central cafe and meeting space, the space is designed to encourage teamwork and communication, while giving employees flexibility and versatility throughout their workday. An environmental graphic designer created a branding wall and timeline of the company’s history which is displayed on wedge-like wall fins, pointing the way from the main entrance to the cafe and central meeting hub.

The project team also included The Richmond Group, construction manager; Hereva, owner’s rep; Vanderweil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineer; McNamara Salvia, structural engineer; Kayte Muse Creative, environmental graphic design; Code Red, code consultant; and Total Office Interiors, furniture.