Elkus Manfredi Architects Designs Dynamic Life Science Campus

66 Galen Street, Watertown, Massachusetts

An underutilized site just steps from the Charles River has been transformed into a community-connected life science campus, where innovation is echoed in both the architecture and interiors. Elkus Manfredi Architects designed the 225,000-square-foot lab facility to offer flexible, wellness-focused spaces that draw inspiration from multifamily housing and contemporary workplaces. The building introduces a crucial connective urban element to a once unnavigable neighborhood, with nearly 40 percent of the site dedicated to open space and pathways linking major transit options. From the lobby, bleachers pierce through a double-height glass facade to become public-facing exterior seating, creating gathering spaces both inside and out. An expansive interior wall is washed with large-scale watercolor-style graphics that evoke movement and progress. A recessed section of this wall forms a cushioned niche for casual work, while circular rugs define intimate seating areas for informal confabs. Stretched-fabric light fixtures are suspended at varying heights overhead, complementing the abundance of natural light that floods in through glazing. With a suite of high-performance design strategies and integrated renewable energy features—including a rooftop solar array and EV charging infrastructure—the building is as considerate of the environment as it is of its users and the Watertown community at large.

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