A 200,000 sq ft research and development (R&D) center in Beijing for Genzyme Corp, a biotechnology companies, is expected to complete in 2010. Located in Zhongguancun (ZGC) Life Science Park, an area dedicated to academic and government research centers as well as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, the new facility will be used for research and development activities for orthopedics, transplant and immune disease, oncology, endocrinology and cardiovascular disease and will accommodate 350 employees.

     Inspiration for the design came from Genzyme and RMJM Hillier's mutual commitment to environmental responsibility and collaboration. The research and administrative portions of the building are connected via a sizable light-filled atrium in which a series of horizontal bridges and staircases of varying heights and dimensions promote both a productive and playful movement of people, light and air. The natural and built environments are interwoven through a series of plazas and green spaces that respond to both the interior environment and the exterior landscape.

     Innovative green features will create a healthy and comfortable workplace for employees, and reduce its environmental impact. They include a narrow foot print and four-storey atrium to maximize natural ventilation; living roof to reduce pollution caused by storm water runoff; a solar thermal system that will provide a significant portion of the building's hot water and reduce its energy consumption; low-flow fixtures to limit water usage; a high-performance exterior glass system that will provide employees with significant natural light, contributing to a pleasant working environment, and reducing the facility's dependence on electricity; and a sensored motorized blind system to control light and heat gain.

     RMJM Hillier, the North American division of UK-based RMJM Group, was selected as the design architect and laboratory planner for this project. This is RMJM Hillier's second R&D project in China, and fourth in Asia. The firm has also designed research facilities for Rohm and Haas in Shanghai, Duke University-National University of Singapore in Singapore, and LG Electronics in South Korea.