Health Sciences Research Building

Wayne State University set out to create a state-of-the-art Health Sciences Research Building designed to accelerate collaborative research and tackle pressing health challenges locally and beyond. The facility’s vision was to provide advanced laboratories, collaborative workspaces, and community engagement areas that support interdisciplinary “team science,” connecting students, researchers, and external partners such as Karmanos Cancer Institute and McLaren Health Care. By fostering innovation and partnerships, the project aims to translate scientific discoveries into real-world impact while enhancing urban health outcomes.

The 168,000-square-foot, five-story building includes core labs, wet labs, offices, conference rooms, and shared student and researcher spaces. Its strategic location links the facility to existing academic buildings via a ground-floor connector and third-floor bridge, while the exterior combines terracotta, metal panels, precast concrete, and glazing. Thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor spaces encourage collaboration and community interaction, supporting research in oncology, neuroscience, immunology, metabolism, and infectious diseases. By integrating advanced lab capabilities with flexible workspaces and public engagement, the project creates a dynamic hub for research innovation, education, and community impact that advances both WSU’s mission and global health initiatives.