For the auditorium, where at least one presentation a day is given on an aspect of cancer research, the design is more complex. This was an interesting challenge, because every person in the audience thinks they know more about cancer than the presenter. Scientists come late to a presentation, and if they feel they haven't heard anything of value in the first few minutes, they're out the door. We know we aren't going to change their behavior in fact, we want to encourage them to come in, and to leave if they choose. Personal time and variety within the workplace also were addressed, as illustrated by researchers' work stations situated in quiet bay-window nooks.
People working in serious thought often live most of their lives in the workplace.
Although social aspects of the design were important, also notable are sophisticated underpinnings that include a system to manage radioactive waste. However, Frasca says that in any building, the social dynamic is one of the integral considerations, and that the most successful buildings are those tailored to meet specific needs. Nancy Fishman is an associate partner with Zimmer Gunsul Frasca.