Health Research Innovation Facility (HRIF) is a translational research centre designed to create an environment for innovative “bench-to-bedside” health research by increasing interaction between researchers and clinicians focused on common medial issues.  HRIF will augment facilities for health sciences research at the University of Alberta and respond to the critical need for additional medical research space.  With a total of 65,000 square meters gross area HRIF will ultimately become part of a complex of interconnected buildings that together form the health sciences research complex.  Constructed by PCL Construction Management Inc., HRIF is designed as a flexible and modular facility that maximizes efficient use of space and supports future research activities.

Key design features include “open” laboratories that permit flexible use of space, sharing of common spaces maximizing natural light in lab and work areas, clustering of offices and highly organized and centralized shared support areas.  Typically, public/teaching facilities are located at main levels and laboratory/research and support facilities are found from the second level upwards.  The new buildings overall are classified as a Bio-Hazard Level 2 Laboratory facilities.

HRIF West
The hub of the complex is HRIF West, and 8-story building which provides the main entrance to the complex and becomes the critical link between MSB and HMRC.

HRIF East
HRIF East is a 9-story building.  A Bio-Hazard Level 3 laboratory is located in the basement of the building, and is one of the largest in Canada at over 5,000 square feet over 9 stories.
 
Aqua Air Systems Ltd. Supplied and commissioned complex air-flow controls for this flexible space.  Laboratory air (HEPA filtered) and exhaust fans (biosafety cabinets) were also integral in HRIF design.