This renovation consisted of updating and reorganizing the administrative core of the Vanderbilt Vaccine Research Program (VVRP) in an effort to maximize productivity, increase collaboration, and provide flexible work spaces for clinicians and support staff in their effort to conduct clinical and translational research in vaccines, vaccine preventable diseases, and pediatric infectious diseases.

The existing administrative core was located on the top floor of a structure built in 1969, as an addition to the original medical center, and had only seen minor patch and paint renovations since. The existing layout was not well-suited for the current VVRP program, and the existing lighting, technology and HVAC systems needed a complete overhaul. The replacement of these systems, and the new programmatic needs of the VVRP necessitated a gut renovation, leaving only existing mechanical shafts, vertical circulation, and electrical and data rooms in place. The original plan consisted of a single central corridor connecting an exit stair at each end of the building with several small office suites, shared offices, and other support spaces accessed from the corridor. While this plan was very space efficient, it provided no exterior light or views to most staff, and did not provide opportunity for impromptu collaboration.

The new plan was developed with the following objectives; provide natural light and exterior views to all occupants; develop a flexible work plan that could be adapted to staffing variations; and reduce barriers between staff to increase collaboration while allowing acoustic and visual privacy when necessary. These objectives resulted in a basic plan of glass-fronted single and shared offices around the building perimeter, and a series of flexible furniture systems at the core. There is no corridor, and office occupants are forced to meander through the open-work areas throughout the day, but can return to their offices for private work when necessary. The open-plan was enhanced by eliminating full ceilings, and introducing acoustic clouds over the cubicles, and replacing exterior tinted windows with a low-e, highly transparent glazing. In addition to meeting the work-flow objectives of the VVRP, the project achieved LEED Gold certification as a result of a new AHU system which provided a 35% savings, LED light fixtures helped achieve a 25% savings, and 62% of construction waste was diverted from landfills.