Quality design, functionality, environmental sustainability and user satisfaction are the key criteria that define the Bio21 Institute David Penington Building as the overall winner of the prestigious Property Council of Australia's Rider Hunt Award in 2005.

Designed by architects DesignInc and built by Baulderstone Hornibrook, the award recognises the Institute as a showcase of excellence in property developments. Providing a balance between function and form, the Institute creates a unique work environment mixing research, offices, technology and laboratories under one roof.

Additional features recognised by the judging panel include the building's high level of adaptability and its anticpated contribution to the Victorian economy.

The design and functionality of the Institute's spaces provide examples of new methods of research and collaboration and the future of laboratory design. Industry and institutions looking at developing similar facilities across Australia, New Zealand and Asia visit Bio21 Insitute to learn from our knowledge and experience.

Closer to home, the Institute represents the University of Melbourne and the broader Bio21 Cluster as the flagship biotechnology facility in the heart of Parkville, bringing together scientists, industry and members of the community. Popular as a leading venue for a variety of activities, the Institute hosts milestone events such as the recent Melbourne Model launch, award ceremonies, national and international conferences, distinguished speakers discussing global topics, community awareness and industry engagement  programs. In conjunction with these events, a range of research and development activities, such as commercialisation, IP and creativity workshops, provide Institute members the opportunity to add breadth to their disciplinary knowledge and skills.

In its first year of operation, the Bio21 Institute David Penington Building received an additional three awards, including the Property Council of Australia's Category Award for Public Buildings, the Royal Australian Institute of Architect's Margaret Mahony Award for Interior Architecture and the Science Industry Australia's Laboratory of the Year Award.

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