North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has created the Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE) specifically to train the next generation of biotechnology scientists and expand North Carolina’s already booming biotech industry. The program began in 2006 when NCCU, along with several other state universities, the community college system and North Carolina biotech companies, formed BioImpact – a group striving to make the state a national center for biomanufacturing through superior educational training and innovative research.
The Golden LEAF Foundation, created to invest North Carolina’s tobacco settlement funds in economic development initiatives, provided $20.1 million toward the creation of BRITE’s 52,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility.
Grand Opening - Monday, June 9, 2008 - 10:00 AM BRITE features 21,000 square feet of classroom and office space, as well as 31,000 square feet of laboratory space for faculty and students to conduct applied research in areas related to biomanufacturing and biotechnology. In addition there are common equipment rooms and core laboratories typical of those found in biotech companies – offering students a chance to obtain hands-on experience prior to pursuing life science careers.
The BRITE building was the product of two architecture firms based in Durham, with The Freelon Group serving as design lead and O'Brien Atkins the architect of record.
The American Institute of Architects, North Carolina Chapter 2009 Design Honor Awards
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Design tidbits from MetalMag
It speaks to the science aspect while creating that gateway element to the campus entry. The development of the canopy as a portal allowed the building to go out and establish a strong presence close to the street without actually dragging the building with it. By going out horizontally, the metal roof screen disrupts sight lines that would go directly to the mechanical systems. In its design, the canopy is constructed to be part of the BRITE facility while almost floating above it.
