Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute Ribbon Cutting: Science on the Water

This fall, the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute officially opened their new research facility on the waterfront in Gloucester, MA. The Institute and the City of Gloucester marked this event with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. This facility features a state-of-the-art Saltwater Laboratory (a first for PAYETTE). The project was envisioned as a “big brother” to the Institute’s education arm, the Biotechnology Academy, another PAYETTE project which opened in 2016.

For us, the essence of the project is about community, growth and sustainability. As the lab architect, we sought to build upon the attributes of the local community and the ambitions of the Institute by embracing the ethos of taking challenges head on, working with what you’ve got and fostering a bright future. The facility fits technology into a humble package; made possible by the focused leadership of the Institute and the design rigor of several project team members. TAG Engineering provided valuable expertise in the design of the Saltwater Lab and early collaboration with Windover Construction was crucial to the success of the project. Lincoln Architects designed the core and shell and were key to seeing the overall project through to completion.

The design employs a pragmatic approach to space planning and materiality while providing the staff and researchers with ample access to natural light and the scenic views of Gloucester Harbor to the south – a humanistic environment in support of great research. It seeks to provide special moments for visitors as well. Upon entering the suite one can peer through the layers of transparency: past the open office, through the marine research activities being conducted in the open lab and to the natural marine environment beyond. In this moment a visitor can really connect the dots – reinforcing an awareness that the good work being done by Dr. Andrea Bodnar and her colleagues at the Institute is deeply meaningful and important not only for the advancement of our understanding of the marine environment and bio-medicine, but for the resilience of the City of Gloucester and the North Shore Community.

We are excited to see what the future holds for this special place. Congratulations GMGI and Gloucester!