Prototype for innovation nodes networked with associated laboratories : an approach to programming and master planning for Joseph C. Wilson Center for Research and Technology

Abstract

The research question in this thesis supports a master plan effort at the Wilson Center for Research and Technology in Webster, New York. It concerns workplace design, space and technology issues, within the business context of research and development operations. A framework is proposed for developing R&D workplace laboratories based on the analysis of a pilot project completed in the Wilson Center. The analysis centers on understanding of the impacts of space, technology, organizational policies and practices, and how these affect the rate of product development. This thesis examines the Wilson Center's ongoing efforts to create a work environments that support innovation. The central hypothesis is that master planning processes, in addition to space and technology renovation, must also focus on learning methods intrinsic in a design process to achieve a unified approach and outcome. A unified research work environment is as dependent on it's culture as a reconstruction of its environment. Ultimately, a more appropriate design for supporting specific research processes is achieved when the users design the environment themselves.