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Inspiration from architecture

Building a better scientific rapport

Nature volume 424, pages 858–859 (2003)Cite this article

Charlie Hart, a protein chemist and head of investor relations at ZymoGenetics in Seattle, looks out of his window and describes the scene: “A 35-foot cruiser is going by and a float plane is getting ready to land.” He says that the view from one of the most unusual research facilities in the United States —a renovated steam power plant, circa 1914 — is one reason why the 365-person company had only a 4% staff turnover last year.

Other factors include large sunlit laboratory spaces, decks built for lunching and receptions, exhibitions of local artists' work and a public dock on Lake Union where employees can launch kayaks, go windsurfing or crew boats.

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  1. Kendall Powell is a freelance science writer based in Broomfield, Colorado.

    • Kendall Powell
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Powell, K. Building a better scientific rapport. Nature 424, 858–859 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/nj6950-858a

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