Laboratory / Office Fit-out

Laboratory / Office Fit-out
Watertown, MA

Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Kala) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of eye diseases therapeutics. The company name “Kala” was inspired by a challenging hiking trail on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. The extreme difficulty of the climb is matched by the beauty of the views – a metaphor for the both the trials and the pay-offs of the drug discovery process. The design team envisioned the new space as a subtle tribute to Hawaiian natural beauty that would inspire employees, visitors, partners and potential investors. Jacobs team was challenged with a lab/office fit-out, in a space with both unusually high and low ceiling conditions. The program included reception, open and private offices, numerous lounge and collaboration spaces, a conference room and café/multi- purpose space. The sequence of spaces begins with a simple, elegant reception area featuring a lava stone waterfall that celebrates the colours and textures of Hawaii’s distinct natural beauty. Additional references to tropical character are provided through careful selection of natural
materials, organic shapes, lush greenery and an oceanic colour scheme. High exterior windows allow daylight to penetrate deep into the space and help foster a
culture of collaboration and open spaces for all.