{"id":893548,"date":"2026-10-22T14:15:53","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T18:15:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.steelcase.com\/?p=893548"},"modified":"2026-10-22T17:59:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T21:59:14","slug":"discovery-on-display","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.steelcase.com\/research\/articles\/topics\/healthcare\/discovery-on-display\/","title":{"rendered":"Discovery on Display"},"content":{"rendered":"

With sun-drenched open spaces, glass-enclosed laboratories, and cozy lounge areas that invite collaboration, the Moffitt Discovery and Innovation Center (MDI) isn\u2019t your typical research facility\u2014and that\u2019s all by design.<\/p>\n

Built from the ground up on the new Speros Campus of Moffitt Cancer Center, the 250,000 sq. ft. facility will be home to a growing team of researchers and clinicians. By the end of the year, MDI is expected to house 20 faculty labs and about 250 research team members working across cancer biology, drug discovery and chemistry, bioengineering, and cancer metabolism.<\/p>\n

As the team at Moffitt partnered with Steelcase to bring the space to life, they knew it had to support the current research community, appeal to a new generation of scientists, and advance the center\u2019s goal of finding a cure for cancer.<\/p>\n

\u201cModern features that incorporate open floor plan concepts with purpose-built collaboration spaces draw in researchers. Having a modern lab design that incorporates flexible lab spaces with centralized, shared resources allows us to meet the current and future needs of our researchers,\u201d says Dr. John Schatzle, Senior Director of Laboratory Research Operations at Moffitt.<\/p>\n

While departments still have their own homes at MDI, the team wanted the space to feel like one connected ecosystem where different disciplines could easily rub elbows and share ideas.<\/p>\n

\"Products
Researchers can move seamlessly between focused work, informal conversations and spontaneous collaboration in spaces designed to help ideas travel across disciplines. Comfortable settings throughout the building encourage people to connect, share expertise and advance discoveries together. Products featured:\u202fCoalesse Sistema Lounge, Coalesse SW_1 Table, Steelcase Thread Power Hub, Steelcase Jenny Lounge Chair, Steelcase Campfire Personal Table, Moooi Mr2 Floor Lamp.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Products
The open staircase and adjacent collaboration zones create natural opportunities for researchers from different specialties to cross paths, exchange ideas and build relationships that fuel innovation. Products featured: Coalesse Sistema Lounge, Coalesse Less Than Five Chairs, Coalesse SW_1 Tables, Steelcase Flex Active Frames<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere was a desire for the different departments to have access to each other to stimulate conversation and drive solutions. This was represented through the interconnectedness of the reciprocating open grand staircase, the collaborative zones, and the open write-up rooms,\u201d says says Yvonne Cowley<\/span>-Smith<\/span>, <\/span>Interior Experience Manager <\/span>at Moffitt.<\/span><\/p>\n

In practice, that means a drug discovery researcher can easily connect with colleagues in cryo-electron microscopy or bioengineering, pooling their expertise to explore new ways to develop and deliver treatments.<\/p>\n

\"Products
Researchers can step away from the lab to gather in small groups, sketch ideas, review findings or have focused conversations in spaces that support both privacy and collaboration. Products featured: Steelcase Campers and Dens, Steelcase SILQ Chair and Stools, Viccarbe Cambrio Table, Steelcase Flex Single Table, Moooi Mimesis Hibiscus Trinium Rug.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Of showrooms and synergy<\/strong><\/p>\n

To help define the facility\u2019s vision, Steelcase invited Moffitt\u2019s design team to visit the Steelcase showroom in Miami. There, the team explored workspaces, clinical stations and ancillary spaces in real life.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Miami showroom sparked a lot of conversation. The Moffitt team got to see the latest and greatest pieces in person. It was a great opportunity to show them how far our ancillary portfolio can go\u2014couches, rugs, lamps, accessories\u201d says Amanda Guerrier, Regional Application Consultant at Steelcase. \u201cIt helped solidify the design language we were developing together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt really was a collaborative effort between Steelcase, Empire and Moffitt.\u201d says Robin Maddalena, Regional Healthcare Manager at Steelcase.<\/p>\n

From floorplan to finishing touches<\/strong><\/p>\n

What followed was a space built for connection.<\/p>\n

Lobby<\/strong><\/p>\n

The multi-floor atrium is the hub of MDI. Anchored by an open, reciprocating grand staircase, it serves as a place for working, saying hello to coworkers and everything in between.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"
Designed to adapt throughout the day, the atrium easily transitions from everyday conversations and individual work to presentations, poster sessions and community gatherings that bring the research community together. Products featured: Coalesse Less Than Five Chairs, Coalesse SW_1 Tables.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Collaboratorium<\/strong>
\nJust off the main corridor, the glass-fronted Collaboratorium puts the heart of Moffitt\u2019s work on full display.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was pretty forward thinking. The director had the foresight to put research on display. It\u2019s a beautiful, very open space,\u201d says Maddalena.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Visible from the main corridor, the Collaboratorium showcases the research happening inside while providing scientists with a shared environment to focus, collaborate and advance new ideas. Products featured: Steelcase Mackinac, Steelcase SILQ Seating, Steelcase TS Series Storage, Steelcase CF Series Monitor Arms.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
A variety of work settings gives researchers the freedom to move between concentrated individual work and collaborative problem-solving, supporting the dynamic nature of scientific discovery. Products featured: Coalesse Sistema Lounge, Steelcase Jenny Lounge, Steelcase Flex Active Frames, Steelcase Campfire Personal Table, Coalesse Less Than Five Chairs, Coalesse SW_1 Table.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Laboratories<\/strong>
\nMDI\u2019s flexible labs are built to evolve. Overhead utilities and movable benches allow spaces to be reconfigured as research needs change, with minimal disruption.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"
Flexible seating, shared technology and accessible resources make it easier for research teams to gather around experiments, exchange expertise and work side-by-side as projects evolve. Products featured: Steelcase Groupwork Tables, Steelcase Kart Seating, Steelcase Thread Power Hub.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Collaboration areas<\/strong>
\nThroughout the building, ancillary spaces give researchers places to connect or unplug outside of the lab setting. With cafes on each floor, researchers can grab a coffee and enjoy a mix of lounge, dining, and tech-enabled settings for informal meetings, phone calls, or a moment to recharge.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe design is really a study in contrast. The laboratories are energized by brilliant color and sleek materials, while the office and collaborative spaces introduce warmer tones and softer materials for a more relaxed feel,\u201d says Cowley-Smith. \u201cThe breadth of the Steelcase portfolio gave us the flexibility to emphasize those differences while still creating a cohesive experience throughout the building.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Whether connecting with colleagues across campus or around the world, researchers can collaborate more naturally in meeting spaces designed to support engagement, visibility and equal participation. Products featured: Coalesse Massaud Conference Seating, Steelcase Ocular Sightline Table.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cIncorporating multiple workspace options, from focused quiet spaces and small huddle spaces to casual and formal meeting rooms, meets the needs of the research community. This allows researchers to tailor their workflow to the type of work they\u2019re actually doing at any given time during the day,\u201d says Schatzle.<\/p>\n

Across MDI, thoughtful details make the space feel less like a laboratory and more like a gathering space. Soft seating, area rugs, ambient lighting, and carefully chosen accessories give the building a warm, hospitality-inspired feel.<\/p>\n

\"\"
When researchers need a place to focus, read, write or recharge between meetings, enclosed settings offer comfort and privacy without disconnecting them from the larger community. Products featured: Coalesse Lagunitas Nook, Steelcase SILQ Chair, Steelcase Campfire Personal Table, Steelcase Thread Power Hub, Coalesse SW_1 Table, Coalesse Less Than Five Chairs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Early Impressions<\/strong>
\nThough the team has just moved in, MDI is already making an impact.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone is impressed with the design of the facility. The natural light, the connecting staircase, the collaboration and casual hang-out spaces all appeal to the newer generation of scientists. Many of them seek out these types of spaces for where they live and play, so having that same concept reflected in where they work is appealing,\u201d says Schatzle.<\/p>\n

And that\u2019s changing what a day in cancer research could look like.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Designed for flexibility, the atrium seamlessly shifts from informal conversations and individual work to events and gatherings that connect the organization with the broader community.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cPeople are using the spaces as intended, and this is coming naturally without us having to explicitly explain what the design intention was. Researchers don\u2019t just hide away in their labs anymore,\u201d says Schatzle. \u201cThey take advantage of incubation or down times to read papers, talk about their research with collaborators or socialize and even decompress. The design of this building facilitates that type of work environment.\u201d<\/p>\n

For the people working behind the scenes to advance the fight against cancer, MDI is more than a place to work. It\u2019s a space designed to bring them together and put their discoveries on display.<\/p>\n

Want to learn more about how Steelcase is partnering with organizations like Moffitt or our other research and design insights? Subscribe now to the Work Better Weekly newsletter.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With sun-drenched open spaces, glass-enclosed laboratories, and cozy lounge areas that invite collaboration, the Moffitt Discovery and Innovation Center (MDI)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":87923,"featured_media":893672,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"topic":[1356],"class_list":["post-893548","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","industry-healthcare","topic-healthcare"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nDiscovery on Display - Steelcase<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How Moffitt Cancer Center and Steelcase designed a center that connects the Minds driving cancer research\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.steelcase.com\/research\/articles\/topics\/healthcare\/discovery-on-display\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Discovery on Display - 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