LOUISIANA RESEARCH


	The shape of future research There's nothing basic about the new Basic Science Laboratory Building at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. In fact, its facilities don't even come close to the image you may have of what a laboratory looks like. With a towering, plant-filled atrium, art deco-like furnishings, numerous coffee-and-conversation areas (including a café-style table and booth arrangement), interlacing hallways, unique concentric floor plan and, of course, huge, sunlit laboratories, the new building was designed to generate an atmosphere rife for professional idea exchange. Opened in January 2004, the $42 million, 180,000-square-foot, five-story building could eventually house up to 350 researchers and staff. Its spacious hallways, open, multi-use labs, meeting rooms and classrooms, large windows and unique common areas are all interconnected, carefully crafted and shaped to encourage both formal and informal conversations, creating an ambiance and an opportunity for instant-perhaps even impromptu-collaboration among technicians and top scientists alike. It's a research by design approach intended to make the most of Pennington's rich mix of researchers using different methods and engaged in a wide variety of nutrition and health-related projects. "This modern research facility is not simply the result of 15 years of growth and success," said Dr. Claude Bouchard, Pennington's executive director. "It is an essential investment in our future. It is the latest embodiment of scientific excellence." The new building is part of a five-year strategic vision to double the size and activity of the center, and "will house scientists who, I predict, will lead us down many paths which will impact our lives," said Bouchard. "Who knows what discoveries are to be made here?" Pennington researchers, anxious to move, settle in and get back up to speed, have already brought many of the new labs to life, and even the casual observer will notice the increasingly frequent team meetings, breezeway gatherings and lunchtime conversations in the commons. Center directors are already planning their next move-a new clinical building that would be devoted to expanding human diet, nutrition, weight loss and health studies. In addition to attracting scientists and researchers from around the globe, LSU System President William Jenkins said the new building's opening and the future plans for Pennington bring with them the potential of new jobs, prestige and revenue to the Baton Rouge area. "Fasten your seatbelts," he said at the opening. "In the next five years, Baton Rouge will become a destination for biologic researchers from around the world." "We're standing in a new landmark for our community and for the community of scientists," added Paula Pennington de la Bretonne as she untied a large bow, handing the new building over to the Pennington Center. "It signifies hope-and challenges us to a new dream for these scientists as they continue to search for answers to preventing diabetes, obesity, hypertension and cancer." De la Bretonne is the chair of the Pennington Medical Foundation Trust, which financed the new building, and granddaughter of the center's single greatest benefactor, the late Baton Rouge oilman C.B. "Doc" Pennington.