Richards Medical Research Laboratories

Despite its architectural significance, functional shortcomings frustrated its users for decades. Page’s modernization respected Kahn’s plan and spatial design while transforming the laboratories to meet contemporary technical demands. Our approach balanced preservation with performance, vastly improving functionality and energy efficiency. 

After assessing the feasibility of repurposing existing wet biomedical bench labs for dry computational medical research, we developed Design and Preservation Guidelines to direct our work as well as any future phases of construction. Upgraded building systems, including chilled-beam cooling and rehabilitated exterior glazing, significantly enhanced energy performance and occupant comfort. The result is a research environment that honors its past while powering the future.

A character-defining element of Richards is the monumental corner windows accented by smaller transoms, placed in custom-fabricated stainless-steel frames. Over time, concrete structural movement and expansion of the abutting brick caused window frame distortion, leading to significant air and water infiltration. As the glazing comprises a large percentage of the building envelope surface, addressing the glazing system failure became a critical rehabilitation component.  

The team conducted extensive research and testing—examining the existing system's performance and proposed replacement options—to ensure adherence to Kahn’s intended architectural vision. A high-performance laminated glass option was ultimately selected as it provided significantly improved thermal performance and required minimal modifications to the window frames. The selected window coating addressed light control issues while being virtually identical to the color rendition of the original glass.