Design for Science: NIH's New Vaccine Research Center

SST Planners recently completed the laboratory programming, planning and lab design for the award winning and widely published Dale and Betty Bumpers Vaccine Research Center (VRC). President Clinton presided over the ground breaking and President Bush along with other senior government officials recently visited the newly completed laboratory.

President Clinton at the VRC ground breaking ceremony


President Bush at the VRC shortly after occupancy of the laboratory

Intense interest in the facility is due in part to the integral role the research plays in the preservation of worldwide public health stability. Recent breakthroughs include the development of preliminary AIDS and Ebola trial vaccines.

Washington Post story from October 2001 describing the role of the innovative new Laboratory at NIH

In spite of its overall mechanical complexity, this interstitial style laboratory was developed as a design build project and was started, constructed and occupied in record time on the NIH campus in Bethesda. The project was completed in two and a half years as part of a mandate to find and develop a vaccine for AIDS within ten years.

Laboratory and Interstitial zone simultaneously under construction

The design of the laboratories was specifically developed to promote multi-disciplinary teamwork for rapidly emerging priorities. The completed labs bring together such diverse groups as virology and immunology within a neighborhood. Casework flexibility and an overall pleasant ambiance contribute to the exceptional productivity of the facility.

Large open lab in the VRC promotes interaction and adaptability


Desk zone along window wall next to large open lab full of daylight


Open lab promotes efficiency of use and is a pleasant work space


Natural Light, flexible casework and immediate adjacency to desk areas make this a productive lab

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