Ciba's Life Science Building was designed to consolidate the Pharmaceutical Division's research groups and support activities at one location. Patterned after the famed Salk Institute for Biological Studies, this interstitial building provides maximum flexibility for frequent changes in the focus of Research and Development. 

The facility incorporates open plan laboratories with a central enclosed support core of Environmental Rooms, Tissue Culture Labs, Dark Rooms, and Equipment Rooms. Offices are located adjacent to laboratories and there is an "in vivo" facility located as the center of the facility. A central utility facility is located remote from the Life Science Building on an adjacent site. Scientific disciplines include Analytical Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Bioassay and Clinical Drug Metabolism. Support areas include Isotope Labs, Tissue Culture, BSL-3 Suites, and Animal Support.

In keeping with the need for maximum adaptability, the mechanical and electrical systems on the interstitial floor flexibly accommodate the space below. With the mechanical and electrical systems organized along the 11'-0" module dimension, this flexibility includes the ability to adjust services to one area without disrupting operations in adjacent laboratories. The building utilizes a variable air volume supply and exhaust system with heat recovery coils in the exhaust air stream.