Albany Molecular Research's Syracuse Research Center provides rapid responses to customer requests for the production of pharmaceutical intermediates, novel compounds, and to test drug substances. The center needed additional production facilities and commissioned Hyman Hayes Associates to program and design them.

During programming, we determined that a 29,000-sf facility, divided into three areas - organic chemistry labs, process labs, and administrative space - was required. Our design placed administration in the front of the building and support in the rear, connected by a circulation spine, resulting in a highly efficient and orderly layout based on material and personnel flow.

Four, 8-person, 1,250-sf organic chemistry labs are located along one side of the spine. The labs, located on exterior walls, are wrapped in casework with shared fume hoods located in the center. This layout provides a tremendous amount of bench space, as well as allowing wall space for windows and natural light. A large prep lab contains six, custom-made walk-in fume hoods, while a small process lab has two custom, walk-in fume hoods used for more hazardous materials. The total project cost was $5 million.