Johns Hopkins APL’s Innovative Research Facility Celebrated on the Global Stage

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, received global recognition as a finalist for Lab of the Year by the Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association (SEFA) for one of its newest state-of-the-art research and development centers: Building 201.

Building 201 is a 263,000-square-foot facility featuring 90,000 square feet of lab space; adaptive individual, huddle and conference-style workspaces; a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) center; a 200-person auditorium; and outdoor space for staff members. The research facility was conceptualized as an environment for innovation and cross collaboration, with glass walls and a four-story atrium allowing natural light to pour in. Most of the building’s 650 resident staff members are part of APL’s Research and Exploratory Development Department (REDD).

“This facility continues to garner impressive recognition, and to be a finalist for this award on the global stage is an honor,” said Jim Schatz, the head of REDD. “Just like the work happening inside this space, the design and execution of Building 201 was forward thinking. This space enables our staff members to tackle the nation’s future challenges.”

For nearly six decades, SEFA’s Lab of the Year award has recognized facilities around the world for their innovative laboratory design and excellence. Submissions are judged on overall impression, design, sustainability, health and safety, support of collaboration and celebration of science, among other benchmarks. SEFA describes recipients of this award as the “gold standard” for lab design and execution.