Sorrento Therapeutics is an antibody-centric, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of safe and effective immunotherapies for oncology and autoimmune/inflammation diseases. The company’s acquisition of several companies drove the need to expand its facilities and bring these acquisitions under one roof in a leased 75,000-square-foot building. The project included renovation of existing labs, offices and a lobby, along with new designs for labs, offices, a vivarium, a lunch room, a lunch patio and a board room. Sorrento’s scientific groups included bacteria, infectious disease, oncology/immunology, TNK, LA Cell, and chemistry, some of which were new groups within the company. Ferguson Pape Baldwin Architects worked closely with these groups to establish a common lab module that would meet their specific needs but also be flexible for groups to expand and share space as they grow within two large open laboratories. This included the chemistry lab, which required segregation for safety and contamination control. FPBA assisted with capturing equipment information for legacy equipment coming from several different locations and consolidated shared equipment in centrally located support rooms to save space and money. The project was constructed in three phases on a fast-track schedule with successive occupancy dates. FPBA coordinated the approvals for this phasing with the building officials using a single set of permit drawings and obtained the permit in just four weeks to complete design and start construction ahead of schedule.
FPBA, teamed with C.W. Driver and Manuel Oncina Architects, recently completed the new Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Harley & Bessie Knox Library. The City of San Diego selected the design-build team to execute the 16,000-square-foot library from bridging documents. The new 16,000-square-foot single-story library, situated over two levels of subterranean parking (54,500 total square feet), is more than three times the size of its predecessor. It offers unique reading spaces for adults, young adults, and youth services, meeting spaces ranging from expandable study rooms to a large community room, staff support, outdoor reading and expansion areas, computer areas, and a Friends of the Library bookstore. With LEED Gold Certification, the site utilizes a high-performance envelope, an ultra-efficient Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) mechanical system, LED lighting with occupancy and daylight sensors, drought-tolerant landscaping, stormwater treatment areas, and a 28 kW roof-mounted PV system. The craftsman-style building marries earth-toned finishes and intricate wood detailing, creating grandeur in the main reading room, with vibrant colors and whimsical themes in the children and teen areas. CBS News 8 – San Diego, CA News Station – KFMB Channel 8
The El Cajon Animal Shelter provides animal care services for El Cajon and La Mesa including pet adoption services, housing for dogs, cats, small mammals, and reptiles, veterinary services, grooming areas, play/interaction areas, exercise yards, retail, and administrative offices, with up to 7,000 square feet of entitled expansion to accommodate future programs. The 14,000-square-foot shelter has the capacity to house 218 animals. Kennels are expandable to allow dogs to move freely between interior and exterior environments, offer flexibility to accommodate population spikes, and provide ease of maintenance for cleaning staff. The building interiors integrate Fear-Free design concepts to reduce stress and anxiety among the animals. The color palette utilizes sage greens, muted blues, and violets, promoting relaxation within the animal psyche. Floor finishes are matte versus glossy to give animals a sense of grounding as they circulate the space. Separate areas are designated for cats and dogs, appropriately sized for each species and organized to avoid face-to-face contact. Separate mechanical zones minimize odor and disease transfer. Cleanable, moisture-resistant acoustical ceiling tile and wall panels offset hard surfaces and absorb sound. Perimeter glazing and tubular daylighting devices promote circadian rhythms of the animals and staff.
The Wegeforth Bowl at the San Diego Zoo is an outdoor amphitheater. Named after Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth, the founder and first president of the Zoological Society of San Diego, the amphitheater showcases various animals and their trainers entertaining and educating zoo visitors. In 2016, the San Diego Zoo celebrates 100 years!
The Rolando Library functions as a community resource center to promote education and cultural events. The total site of 1.4 acres includes utilities, grading, parking, architectural pavement and landscaping. As a result of three years of community meetings and discussions about the image of the new library, FPBA executed a building design that represents and brings together the diverse histories and interests of these communities. Strong references for the College area, with the intense activities associated with the neighboring San Diego State University, were integrated with the natural environment of the Rolando area. The design concept emerged from the recognition that these communities are central to the City of San Diego, expressing the ocean influences from the West, the mesa and rolling hills of College and Rolando, and the foothills and mountains of the neighboring communities to the East.
FPBA designed a Panda exhibit guest queuing experience with associated themeing, interpretive structures, exhibits and management structures for Takins, Red Pandas and Asian vipers.
Cymer, the largest supplier of deep ultraviolet (DUV) light sources, sought to expand its existing facility by adding a full-service kitchen and café for employees and visitors to enjoy. The expansion is an addition to the 134,000-square-foot facility designed by FPBA in 1999. The vibrant space is flooded with expansive light from the north-facing glazing and three clerestory bays. An operable glass wall allows the assembly space to spill out on to the exterior courtyard and double as overflow seating for large company gatherings. Comfort and energy efficiency are weaved into the space with passive cooling systems via large ceiling fans and lighting controls that automatically dim artificial lighting when natural daylight is available. The dynamic roof line evokes the spirit of the existing shell and forms the volumetric space of the addition — embodying the lively culture of Cymer’s San Diego Headquarters.
FPBA designs the new San Diego Zoo electric vehicle charging parking structure with photovoltaic panels. https://youtu.be/LoTqWoLSv4Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ8WMDtHQSI
This 3,300 SF dine-in restaurant and grill at San Diego Zoo is a key component of the overall Elephant Odyssey project. Strategically located, this full-service dining venue includes a large (4,500 sf) open-air seating plaza designed to accommodate large gatherings including weddings. The site, on a mesa overlooking the main exhibits, offers unobstructed views of a range of animals including the elephants at play, California Condors soaring from tree to tree, leopards chasing fish in a site-created stream, and many others. The complete catering kitchen supports Zoo-wide events.
This 1,400 SF merchandise retail store at San Diego Zoo shares guest support functions with the adjacent Sabertooth Grill and offers a range of themed merchandise in an open-air, bazaar-like setting. Products from around the world reinforce the Zoo’s commitment to education of guests of all ages. A significant portion of the shop’s retail income is dedicated to the Zoo’s global conservation and educational programs.
