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Required to last the FDA for 50 to 100 years, even the organization within the labs required creativity. Interchangeable lab modules link to allow for multiple reconfigurations. Within the modules, open spatial configurations, mobile equipment, and highly organized — and surprisingly attractive — exposed utility piping (kudos to the builders for the attention to detail even here) allow for flexibility of future use as well.

The entire spatial organization cleanly allows the building to take full advantage of the view, light, and liveliness of the adjacent wetlands while carefully avoiding any adverse effects on the fragile ecosystem, now or in the future.

Architecture as Recruitment Tool

Programmatic requirements aside, the FDA had a more ephemeral and intriguing objective: to build a work environment that would help attract and retain scientists and other highly qualified employees. Clearly, aesthetics and image were to play a major role.

This acknowledgement made the FDA an attractive client, and ZGF never hesitates to give them credit. Designer Doss Mabe, FAIA noted that "the happiest thing for us is that the client is extremely happy and considers the FDA at Irvine the crown jewel of its facilities. They were willing to take chances, and were extremely supportive and adventuresome."

Nor does the FDA shirk from giving ZGF credit. Cruse said that he asked himself in the beginning of the design process: "We know what state-of-the-art feels like, but what does it look like?" His answer now is: "This building."

He calls it a "buzz." Before they had this building, Cruse noted, the local FDA had the same people, the same mission, and even some of the same furniture, but it didn't have the energy. Now, the scientific community recognizes the desirability of this outpost, as evidenced by the transfer requests citing the new facility as a factor.

The local academic community has embraced the new building as well, often using its conference rooms for meetings and seminars. And the employees themselves have expressed nothing but contentment with their new home.

"This is a most unique design of elements and layout, and it provides a natural talking point," Cruse continued. He even joked that the building was making him jealous. He could never be sure whether the surge in employment applications and compliments was due to the quality of his program or the structure it was housed in.

Coming Soon

In response to this single building, recruits have expressed increased interest in employment; local and professional communities have granted awards; and the film industry has submitted numerous requests to film in and around the building — Southern California's unique acknowledgement of top-notch design.

The national FDA is clearly satisfied, calling this facility the prototype for future designs. Meanwhile, the wetland grasses are progressing up the hill toward the building edges, and Cruse is organizing seminars for employees on how to buy houses in the area. The FDA is further integrating into the community and developing a truly public face.

If all this transformation can be induced by the design of one building, Orange County may become a destination yet. Besides, both the FDA and ZGF know exactly where the fourth wing will be, should the need arise. And both parties are very much looking forward to building it.

Leigh Christy is a designer with Perkins & Will in Los Angeles.

Architect: Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership, Los Angeles
Engineer: HDR Inc., Omaha
Lab Planner: Earl Walls Associates, San Diego
Construction Manager: Gilbane Building Co., Phoenix
General Contractor: Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Irvine

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The reclusive library and outside eating area of FDA at Irvine, by Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership and HDR, Inc. Photo: Nick Merrick/ Hedrich Blessing The curtain wall loses its glazing and swoops beyond the interior spaces to denote the building's public entrance. Photo: Adrian Velicescu/ Standard The most public of three major circulation routes follows the curtain wall the entire length of the building. Photo: Nick Merrick/ Hedrich Blessing Niche spaces created by the angled building wings are used as "intellectual collision areas." Photo: Pete Eckert/Eckert & Eckert Modular labs have a direct relationship to open offices through glass doors. Photo: Nick Merrick/ Hedrich Blessing Maple shelving and clerestory windows introduce warmth to the monastic library space. Photo: Nick Merrick/ Hedrich Blessing   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.