The headquarters for the French contract research company Biotrial reflects the company’s business and activities in relation to the public realm. Biotrial runs clinical trials studies to ensure that new drugs coming to market have no detrimental side effects; their studies are reviewed and approved by the FDA. It must effectively ensure the confidentiality of its volunteers while running an open review process for new drugs. Privacy vs. transparency, open vs. closed, become central themes for the company and were expressed in the building architecture. 

FCA designed a tall, narrow building with shallow floor plates to maximize natural light penetration. The five-story structure provides 70,000 SF of space for administrative and recruitment offices, laboratories, a pharmacy, volunteer accommodations, clinical trial rooms and a café.