The Max Planck Florida Institute is a gem and a wonderful example of site sustainability, complementing the effort put into the building itself. More than a decade later, the grounds have filled out and function to enhance the work experience, the community as a whole and the environment.
The Institute sits on 6-acre site which is part of the Florida Atlantic University Campus which also houses Scripps Research Center. The project received LEED Gold certification in late 2012 through a unified team effort which can be seen on the site with bio retention for stormwater drainage system, native plants in natural ecosystem patterns and re-use irrigation water. To assure the health of the employees, various outdoor spaces have been created including a roof top space with a 36’ tall Greenscreen wall and other plantings. The ground plane hosts large and small gathering spots and areas for sitting and playing board games and offering a variety of light and shade conditions for all times of the year in Florida. A continuous walking path circumvents the site for exercising opportunity. Bike racks are numerous along with strong pedestrian pathways (scaled for golf cart use) to the neighboring Scripps Campus and the Florida Atlantic University Honors Campus. If arriving by vehicle one can park closer if you use a fuel efficient vehicle or carpool! As a biotech facility, the mechanical requirements mandate a large service yard and this has been screened by a 12’ vine covered Greenscreen.
