FORUM: A New Frontier in Life Sciences at Boston Landing
Lendlease’s FORUM at Boston Landing: A 350,000-sq-ft life sciences hub in Allston-Brighton, blending innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. All images: Courtesy of Lendlease
Lendlease’s recently announced FORUM at Boston Landing is poised to become a cornerstone of innovation and collaboration in the life sciences industry. Located in the bustling Allston-Brighton neighborhood, this nine-story, 350,000-square-foot life sciences facility combines cutting-edge laboratory spaces with a rich array of amenities to foster community engagement and sustainable innovation.
The project, developed by Lendlease in partnership with Ivanhoé Cambridge, emphasizes its commitment to sustainability, workforce development, and tenant-centric design while anchoring itself within the Boston Landing mixed-use district. Project team members included SGA (base building architect), McNamara Salvia Structural Engineers (structural engineer), BR+A Consulting Engineers (MEP engineer), Beals Associates, Inc. (civil engineer), Consigli Construction (base building general contractor), and TRIA (interior design).
Built to attract and retain top talent
FORUM's state-of-the-art design underscores its role as a purpose-built life sciences facility tailored to meet the industry's rapidly evolving demands. Its lab and office spaces are equipped to accommodate the needs of biotech and pharmaceutical companies, with flexible configurations and modern infrastructure that support advanced research and development activities.
Typical lab space in the FORUM building.
“With deep expertise in designing and building healthcare and life sciences facilities, we recognized that while state-of-the-art lab space is essential, it’s no longer sufficient to stand out in today’s competitive landscape. This is especially true in a core market like Boston,” says Mark Barer, director of development, Boston, Lendlease. “To create a truly compelling environment, FORUM’s design goes beyond traditional lab facilities by prioritizing placemaking and community integration. We understood that attracting and retaining top talent requires a holistic approach to the work environment, one that prioritizes employee well-being and fosters a sense of community.”
Key amenities to enhance the personal and professional lives of building occupants include a publicly accessible coffee shop and cocktail lounge, a vibrant art and event gallery featuring local Boston artists, multiple open and private terraces, collaborative conference areas designed to facilitate teamwork and innovation, bike storage and EV charging stations to promote sustainable commuting, and easy access to easy access to public transit and neighboring amenities such as retail, entertainment, and restaurants.
The building’s third-floor tenant amenities include meeting and collaboration spaces with advanced audio/visual capabilities, fostering an environment where teams can seamlessly share ideas and collaborate. The 7,000-square-foot terrace offers a unique space for informal gatherings, complete with cabanas, seating areas, grilling stations, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
“The building’s WiredScore Platinum certification ensures robust Wi-Fi connectivity throughout, supporting the data-intensive needs of life sciences research,” says Barer. “By providing a mix of formal and informal meeting areas, FORUM supports a full spectrum of collaboration.”
As the life science industry advances and tenants develop new needs, FORUM will adapt, says Barer. “The building’s property management company, CBRE, will offer customized tenant programming designed to enhance the employee experience, foster tenant connections and transform the workplace into a true destination. This programming will be tailored to tenants’ interests and aligned with emerging trends in the life sciences market, ensuring a dynamic and engaging office environment.”
A hub for life sciences workforce development
Featured tenant amenities include a 7,000-sq-ft terrace, collaborative spaces, local art galleries, EV charging, and easy access to transit, fostering innovation and community.
Beyond providing premium lab and office spaces, FORUM is dedicated to fostering the next generation of life sciences professionals. Through a partnership with MassBioEd, a nonprofit education foundation, FORUM’s common areas will host programs aimed at introducing local students and career seekers to the life sciences industry. These initiatives will focus on equipping participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to transition into careers within this dynamic field.
“FORUM's partnership with MassBioEd significantly enhances its appeal to life sciences tenants by addressing a critical industry need: developing a skilled and diverse workforce. This collaboration demonstrates FORUM's commitment to the long-term success of the life sciences ecosystem,” says Barer. “Through its work with MassBioEd, FORUM supports efforts to engage area youth and students early in their educational journey, fostering interest in life sciences careers. Additionally, the partnership facilitates dialogue between academia and industry, ensuring that the skills being developed match the evolving needs of life sciences companies.”
He continues, “FORUM’s common areas will host MassBioEd’s educational programs, offering tenants convenient access to career development and networking opportunities, a unique on-site amenity in the life sciences sector. Additionally, the ground-floor ‘living room’ space, designed to be open and inviting, will be used for public events, fostering community engagement and helping attract a diverse talent pool by breaking away from the traditional, closed-off design of older life sciences facilities.”
Bridging science and community
In addition to its technical and operational features, FORUM is designed with a focus on community integration. The building’s ground floor is envisioned as a “community living room,” featuring a café and art gallery alongside outdoor seating and dining areas. This space invites tenants, local residents, and visitors to connect and collaborate in a welcoming environment.
This community-focused hub has a ground-floor café, art gallery, and outdoor spaces fostering connection and collaboration.
“We are deeply committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with community organizations to integrate our buildings with their surroundings,” says Barer. “The partnership with TurningArt and J. Perry Fine Art is designed to enhance the tenant experience through a dynamic and thoughtfully curated art program. It brings to life a constantly evolving visual landscape, showcasing original artworks by Boston-based artists. By spotlighting local talent, FORUM strengthens its connection to the dynamic Boston art scene, fostering a sense of place and community within the building.”
He adds, “In addition to the rotating art exhibits, the ground-floor gallery and community living room are open to the public, offering a welcoming space that connects FORUM with the broader neighborhood. This, along with the coffee shop and lounge, positions FORUM as a destination within the Boston Landing mixed-use district. This comprehensive art program aligns with Lendlease’s commitment to creating people-centric spaces that encourage meaningful connections—with each other and with their surroundings.”
The inclusion of Tradesman Coffee Shop and Lounge, opening in early 2025, brings a celebrated local café concept to FORUM. Known for its warm atmosphere and high-quality offerings, Tradesman will provide an all-day menu featuring locally roasted coffee, specialty croissants, and light bites, alongside craft beers, wines, and cocktails.
Leading sustainability initiatives
FORUM is a testament to Lendlease's dedication to sustainability in the life sciences sector. With its comprehensive design aimed at achieving net-zero operations, the building sets a new benchmark for environmentally conscious developments. Features like energy-efficient systems, optimized airflow, and resource-efficient materials reflect the industry's growing emphasis on sustainable practices.
With its eye on sustainability, FORUM is designed to achieve LEED Platinum, WiredScore Platinum, and Fitwel certifications. It also aims for net-zero operational carbon at opening, aligning with Lendlease’s ambitious sustainability commitment to achieve absolute zero carbon by 2040. Notably, FORUM has qualified for the highest tier of energy savings under the Mass Save program, thanks to its high-performance building design.
“FORUM is designed with sustainability and well-being at its core. These values not only reflect Lendlease’s industry-leading sustainability goals, but also align with the values of forward-thinking life sciences users and the environmentally conscious professionals they employ,” says Barer.
Strategic location in the Boston Landing District
FORUM’s location in Boston Landing puts it near transit, sports hubs, and cultural attractions, fostering collaboration and connectivity for life sciences innovators.
Situated at 60 Guest Street in the heart of the Boston Landing district, FORUM benefits from proximity to a vibrant mix of amenities, attractions, and transit options. Known as a hub of athletic, corporate, and cultural activity, Boston Landing is home to the New Balance headquarters, practice facilities for the Celtics and Bruins, and the popular Roadrunner music venue.
“Boston Landing’s vibrant neighborhood is one of FORUM’s most valuable assets, bolstering its appeal to life sciences users,” says Barer. “The Allston-Brighton area provides an established life sciences ecosystem, offering opportunities for collaboration, networking and talent acquisition crucial for biotech and pharmaceutical companies.”
FORUM’s location offers close access to multimodal transit, including the nearby Boston Landing MBTA Commuter Rail station, MBTA bus routes, and the Massachusetts Turnpike. The district also features Boston’s Bluebikes public bike-share program, making it accessible to commuters from across the city.
The mixed-use neighborhood surrounding FORUM is continually evolving, with plans for a new hotel and the Allston Yards development further enriching the area. These elements create a dynamic ecosystem where innovation, culture, and community converge.
FORUM at Boston Landing represents a pivotal development for Boston’s burgeoning life sciences landscape. By combining cutting-edge lab facilities with community-focused amenities and a strong commitment to sustainability, the project sets a new standard for what a life sciences building can achieve.
