Design Profile: Lilly Philadelphia

Like many companies operating in a hybrid capacity since the onset of COVID, Eli Lilly and Company understood that their West Philadelphia research facility would need to transform to meet the needs of a post-pandemic reality. The resulting renovation, titled “Shifted Perspectives,” sought to fundamentally alter the ways in which team members perceive and inhabit their workspaces. As a scientific research enterprise, a significant percentage of Lilly's staff are required to be on site five days a week performing laboratory-based work. The design team utilized data to improve workplace culture. A robust pre-design effort engaged all occupants — those working fully on-site and in hybrid/remote capacities. Design responses included dramatically opening the floor plan, intentional acoustic control, use of natural materials, ergonomic furniture, and creation of multiple workspace types for active and focused work. The Shifted Perspectives theme is conveyed via dynamic shapes such as angled soffits, diagonal lighting, and slanted glass walls. Several laboratories were renovated to accommodate new equipment, improve process flow, and dramatically lower energy consumption. Views into the lab from a central hallway connect research and desking areas, while providing a safe barrier between the two. The entire perimeter of the floor plate was opened to promote circulation. This allowed all occupied areas to have direct views to the exterior, while small clusters of ergonomic workstations replaced the vast sea of cubicles that had previously dominated the floor. Focus rooms, a necessity for virtual collaboration and a means to accommodate neurodivergent workstyles, were provided in abundance. 

Project: Lilly Philadelphia 

Location: West Philadelphia 

Client: Eli Lilly and Company 

Project Size: 29,630 square feet 

Project Team:  

Strada Services (Architect, Interiors, Lab Planning)  

AKF Group Services (MEP/FP Engineering)  

Gardner Fox Associates Services (Construction Management) 

Photos: Jeffrey Totaro