A*STAR Skin Research Institute of Singapore

The Challenge

The A*STAR Skin Research Institute of Singapore focuses on research related to skin health, aging, skin diseases, skin technology and bio-photonics. The institute conducts cutting-edge research across these areas, addressing both fundamental biology and applied clinical needs.

The institute needed new headquarters that featured a biosafety laboratory Level 2, clean room class 10k and 100k, which can be converted to a GMP-rated class C and D, creating a versatile research and development project and early pilot manufacturing environment.

Designers set out to seamlessly integrate laboratory and office environments within a rigorously controlled scientific setting.

A key design challenge was to achieve operational efficiency and regulatory compliance while fostering collaboration and connectivity between research and administrative functions.

The Design Solution

The facility is designed to accommodate Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) operations, alongside adaptable cleanroom environments (Class 10k and 100k) for the Asian Skin Bank that can be converted to GMP Class C and D standards as needed. 

The design establishes a clear spatial relationship between laboratory and office environments, promoting visual connectivity and collaboration while maintaining required containment protocols. The layout is conducive to staff interaction with shared amenities and support areas between the lab and office spaces. 

The open laboratory is supported with zones of microscopy, histology, storage department, special-use tissue culture rooms and the cleanroom. The cleanroom independently operates, creating versatility for future uses. 

Freezers are purposely to be set along flanking corridors instead of inside rooms to allow easier heat dissipation into the larger space than having to cool the freezer rooms during the off-peak hours. 

The design integrated some subtle accent colors into the lab area to tie with the accent in the office zone to create visual connection. The accent color on the walls throughout the laboratory environment supports wayfinding and spatial orientation, while also softening the clinical character of the space.  

The resulting layout delivers a flexible and modular research environment capable of adapting to evolving scientific and manufacturing requirements. 

The Design Impact

The completed facility strengthens interaction between researchers and support teams through improved spatial integration of office and laboratory functions.  

The adaptable infrastructure supports long-term flexibility for changing research needs and future GMP conversion. Enhanced clarity of circulation, along with the use of color as an organizational tool, improves usability, orientation and the overall workplace experience within a high-performance research environment.