Discovery Technology Center is one of several buildings located on the 132-acre headquarter campus in Oakdale, MN. The 437,000 square foot research and development facility is comprised of four adjoined pods designed to bring together research and office staff. Primary areas include R&D labs, offices and a customer service and support area, employee cafeteria, gathering spots, coffee bars, a state of the art boardroom, and conference rooms and training rooms. Pilot plant operations were built into the building with exterior explosion relief venting. Since flexibility was a key issue, Michaud Cooley Erickson designed adaptable MEP and fire protection systems throughout the building. Power distribution systems enable office spaces to be converted into dry or wet labs in a timely manner. A number of process-chilled water systems were installed to accommodate different design conditions.