Biotech Gateway

• So. San Francisco, CA
• 2021-present
• CLIENT: confidential

Mantle was commissioned by a biotech developer to design a 38.5 acre site for a new lab building and renovate key connections and open spaces to the surrounding campus. The building serves as a central hub that infills a key site for the campus.

The design will strengthen the visual and physical connectivity from the new building to several other buildings on campus, unlocking spaces to gather, meet and walk. In addition, the masterplan calls for a reduction in lawn and surface parking area creating newly landscaped amenities that support a drive towards an eco-friendly campus on this former superfund site. Spaces include a central plaza, an amenity plaza, and launch to the “strata”, a pedestrian and garden web that will set a precedent for future campus renovations.

As part of the project, Mantle worked closely with the developer and city to design a DNA-inspired entry art wall flanked by garden terrace walls. Other specialty elements include seatwalls that serve as rest areas and wayfinding for the pedestrian connectors.

The phased masterplan visually connects the campus, improves circulation, and provides a mix of eco-friendly amenity spaces.

The team iterated on the design for custom seatwalls that provide gathering areas and guide people through the campus.

Entry Wall to Biotech Gateway

The team created an artistic interpretation of RNA transcription for a feature wall that serves as the gateway to the campus. The idea was to break down the repetitive geometry of RNA molecules, pushing and pulling the nucleotide strands to ‘unfurl’ the double helix into a beautiful, undulating pattern. Using the algorithmic tool, Grasshopper, the design team “sketched” intuitively in 3d, automating otherwise complex iterations to create elegant pattern options for the wall facade. Once a design was chosen, molds were fabricated and the final wall panels cast in concrete.

RNA Strands serve as design inspiration.

Using Grasshopper the team iterates on the form, depth, and pattern.