Vividion Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology research company dedicated to transforming the future of human health through the development of highly selective small-molecule medicines targeting cancer and immune disorders. Following its acquisition by Bayer in 2021, Vividion entered a significant new phase of growth—one that required the rapid expansion of both laboratory and office environments to support its evolving research, operational, and organizational needs.
The new facility was envisioned as more than an increase in square footage. It was intended to reinforce Vividion’s culture: an open, flexible, and high-quality workplace that fosters creativity, adaptability, and collaboration as the company continues to scale. The design needed to support cutting-edge scientific research while also promoting interaction between researchers, management, and operations—groups often siloed by both function and physical separation.
To meet these goals, Vividion selected a newly constructed five-story building in Sorrento Mesa, within the City of San Diego. Occupying three and a half floors, the company became a major tenant in a Class A research and development facility developed by Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. The building’s inherent qualities of generous floor-to-floor heights, abundant natural light, and modern infrastructure provided an ideal foundation for a forward-looking workplace.
The guiding design concept, described as “serendipitous synergy,” establishes an atmosphere of excitement, possibility, and discovery. An open and flexible layout allows the space to adapt to future growth and changing research demands. Soft, flowing curves are thoughtfully integrated throughout the interiors, creating a sense of movement and approachability. These organic forms intentionally counterbalance the highly technical nature of laboratory environments, softening the experience and reinforcing a more human-centered workplace.
One of the primary challenges was connecting diverse employee groups distributed across multiple levels. This was addressed through strategically placed shared amenities that encourage spontaneous interaction. A large main break room and town hall space on Level One serve as central gathering hubs, drawing employees together for informal conversations, collaboration, and company-wide communication, regardless of where their individual workspaces are located.
Office planning further supports openness and connectivity. Private offices and conference rooms are positioned along the building perimeter, with full-height glazing that allows daylight to penetrate deep into the interior. Between these enclosed spaces and the laboratories lies a spacious open office area that acts as a collaborative buffer zone. A full-height glass wall separating office and lab spaces maintains visual connection while allowing natural light to flow into the laboratories, creating brighter and more engaging research environments. Support spaces are efficiently centralized within the building core, ensuring ease of access and operational efficiency.
The result is a cohesive, light-filled, and highly flexible facility that seamlessly integrates office and laboratory functions. Bright, open, and richly detailed, the space reflects Vividion’s scientific ambition and collaborative culture, providing an inspiring environment that supports innovation today while remaining adaptable for the discoveries of tomorrow.
Design:
Design Team: Neal McFarlane, Cecilia Krump, Summer Kalahiki, Erica Johnson, May Khemapirom
Photography:
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