Group Goetz Architects (GGA) designed the 35,000 SF Germantown Innovation Center for the Maryland Department of Economic Development. The Innovation Center, opened in September 2008, and is strategically located on the Germantown campus of Montgomery College. The 35,000 square-foot Center offers 11 wet labs averaging 500 square-feet, two modular clean rooms and 45 offices. Each of the individual suites utilities are metered separately and backup power supports the labs. The center can accommodate 25 to 35 life sciences and technology companies as incubator spaces for start up companies.GGA designed the incubator facility with a large shared atrium space that occupies the center portion of the building. Accessed from both sides of the building the atrium serves as the main organizing element for the distribution of the various elements of the program. On the south side of the atrium lie the wet labs and clean rooms and on the north side of the atrium lie the IT labs and offices. The central atrium services as a main reception, waiting area, central business office, and shared conference spaces.The lab areas are designed using module glass wall systems, doors, and lab cabinetry. Bold colors are used to accent the space. Sustainable concepts were designed into the space from the beginning and were an important part of the overall strategy of the space. These concepts used include lighting systems and controls that reduced energy consumptions, high efficiency HVAC systems, low water use plumbing fixtures, recycled material content, no VOC in materials, and use of local materials.
