The Saunders Research Building at University of Rochester Medical Center is home to leading-edge clinical and translational medicine. The building is designed to promote and coordinate efforts in basic cellular and molecular biology, with clinical research, bedside practice, and therapeutic trials in an open, accessible facility to share research and clinical knowledge for the cure of many disease states, including cancer. In addition, as a connective building located at the front door of the campus, the building also incorporates teaching and educational space plus a central shared atrium meeting space for both the University and Medical School.
The building also represents a new model of collaborative space for the Medical Center. The interior details of the building; glass-walled offices, shared common and conference rooms, and open staircases, were all designed to promote cross discipline collaboration and innovation by encouraging the occupants to interact with each other. The design placed a strong emphasis on sustainable design achieving LEED-NC Gold.
