New 1450 Research Building Converges Art and Science in Biotech

South Duvall’s new three-story building at 1450 Research Boulevard showcases the intersection of art, science and technology in biotech illustrated in a legacy mural by Justin Duvall. 

By Cat Thoreson
July 12, 2023

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What lies at the intersection of art and science? 

At first glance these fields may seem in stark contrast to one another, but they have interwoven parallels.  Industry companies are taking note and real estate firms are investing in and creating spaces for tenants to highlight the value of art in science. 

South Duvall’s recently converted 1450 Research Boulevard in Rockville, MD is concrete proof of this. The building, which officially opens its doors at the end of this month, offers over 45,000 square feet of scientific space complete with a shared autoclave, tenant lounge, outdoor plaza and common area that includes their signature three-story staircase. Watch it come to life.

South Duvall commissioned a three-story mural, as a statement on the intersection of art, science, and technology and innovation that fuels the three disciplines. 

Creativity at its Core 

Considerable creativity is needed to make both original works of art and scientific breakthroughs. Both artists and scientists share a curiosity for the unknown, an appreciation for the worlds they explore, and a strong desire to be impactful. 

Art + Science + Technology

From concept to visualization, the goal is to develop a process for a successful path in both art and science.  The concept for 1450’s mural was developed using DALL-E, a deep learning model developed by OpenAI to generate digital images from natural language descriptions or “prompts.” 

Justin Duvall, a Baltimore-based professional illustrator, and designer for over a decade, then took those prompts and incorporated his interpretation to create the final mural that stands three stories high. Learn more in this artist interview.

Duvall’s largest installation to date, it is reflective of his “illustrative design.” Each floor tells its own story, while weaving the DNA helix throughout. In total, the mural tallied: 

• 8+ hours of administrative work (site visits, meetings/calls discussing concept and vision, etc.);
• 50+ hours of creative (sketching/rendering/revisions of artwork);
• 400+ hours of onsite work (measuring wall, plotting, painting);
• and resulted in four total weeks of painting (26 days on, 2 days off/resting), covering 1,000+ sq ft of wall (39’x27′ at its tallest and widest).  

Another local example of art influencing scientific space design is at NextCure, Inc. with the design and decor of their office and laboratory space.  Each of the walls around the company’s office are painted different hues, while paintings, statues and other pieces of art are on display, as well. Michael Richman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the company, which is focused on developing immunomedicine therapies for cancer and other immune-related diseases, explained that the reasoning behind their choices to fill the office with color and art was done in order to “create a culture that promotes innovation and inventiveness.” He said the company’s leadership team wanted to generate excitement in employees “beyond a good cup of coffee.” “It brings things to life,” Richman said. “The visualization stimulates the mind.”

Charles Messier, an 18th-century French astronomer, Leornardo Da Vinci, and hundreds of others, used the scientific method to apply to every aspect of life, to include art.   

The end result, when both artists and scientists are successful, can evoke emotion, change our perceptions and ultimately change the realities that surround us. This is exactly what South Duvall hopes that its life science tenants will accomplish at 1450 Research.  

You can stop by to enjoy the mural in all its painted glory anytime or contact Aaron Gambini at [email protected] or Nathan Crowe at [email protected] to schedule a tour of the building.

Join us at the 1450 Research ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, July 27, followed by a CEO Listening Tour with the Maryland Tech Council (MTC). RSVP today.