DESIGNWORKS 2020

Texas A+M AgriLife Research Center

Dallas, TX

Flad

The Texas A&M Dallas AgriLife Research Center pursues a mission supporting urban agricultural research, education, industry collaboration, and community education – the first of its kind built in the 21st century.

The building establishes an architecturally significant presence reflective of this mission with a program informed by the next generation of students and researchers. Dramatic views and natural daylight define the interior – full-height glass walls separate work and laboratory spaces creating an open environment that supports collaboration as well as enhanced lab safety.

Largely focused on space for cross-disciplinary training, the design supports interactive work styles with bright colors and graphics that establish locations of intersection and paths of travel. All three floors are connected by an open stair rising alongside an acoustic-paneled feature wall that depicts abstract patterns reminiscent of crop fields as seen from above. Accentuating the main entrance, a multi-purpose Collaborative Hub anchors the head of the building with a kitchen and flexible seating options to accommodate breaks, meetings, presentations, and impromptu gatherings.

Housing research laboratories, plant growth facilities, and a rooftop greenhouse, the interiors are inspired throughout by colors, textures, and themes found in regional agricultural environments juxtaposed with urban materials such as exposed concrete columns, glass walls, and linear light fixtures. The concept of “science in sight” is employed throughout the building’s layout to showcase programs and technologies – the experience is carried throughout with interior details of custom glass film patterns in conference rooms and larger abstract hexagon lighting in the Collaborative Hub.