The Challenge
The University of Antwerp has an extensive real estate portfolio and faces significant challenges related to the triple bottom line of sustainability: People, Planet, and Profit. As remote working becomes increasingly widespread in universities, the occupancy of certain buildings is no longer profitable. The goal is also to reduce maintenance costs and modernize the property portfolio. The ultimate aim is to create modern and attractive work environments where students, professors, researchers, support staff, and administrative personnel can collaborate and share knowledge in the most optimal way. Specifically, the Faculty of Biology requires a new building for both laboratories and offices. Currently, the involved research groups are scattered across several outdated buildings. Due to hybrid working, the offices remain underutilized, while the goal is also to optimize laboratory space use. The UA’s facilities team approached brainmove to define the specifications for an ultramodern laboratory building.
Our Approach
brainmove started by developing a shared vision for the Faculty of Biology around the new way of collaborating in the new building. During a strategic session with the management team, mid-term challenges were discussed. Through targeted strategic questions and guided discussions, we were able to align the team’s direction and receive strong support for the optimization of the laboratories.
Measuring is knowing. Occupancy measurement helped map peak and average occupancy periods. UA used the unique braincount tool, which enables the client to record occupancy using its own resources over a set period. We applied a profile analysis to understand the specific profiles of researchers, support staff, and administrators, and link them to a specific workplace mix. brainmove consulted a laboratory techniques expert to conduct an objective review of the desired laboratory types, considering safety levels, equipment, and space requirements.
Throughout several workshops with the research groups, needs were objectified and connected to practical solutions. Throughout the process, brainmove also supported internal communication regarding the project and coordinated various alignment meetings and brainstorming sessions with stakeholders.
The Result
The result of our analyses is summarized in a comprehensive specification document that the UA can use in the next phase to brief a specialized architectural firm. The support from the involved research groups for an innovative and sustainable solution was significantly boosted. Thanks to brainmove’s study, the UA’s facilities team can now proceed with constructing an ultramodern laboratory building based on objective data.
