Nokia Bell Labs

After 80 years at their iconic home, the new R&D headquarters campus allows Nokia to strategically increase their proximity to an ecosystem of academic centers of excellence, established industry leaders and startup ventures.

Collaboration and co-operation are central to the Nokia Bell Labs research model, and the New Brunswick campus will enable the research teams to collaborate on technological breakthroughs in the areas of robotics, quantum, photonics, optical research, 6G, AI and industrial automation.

The bespoke laboratories will meet exacting design criteria and house one-of-a-kind pieces of equipment, allowing Nokia to continue technological breakthroughs. Lab typologies include state of the art clean rooms ranging from ISO 8-5; quantum cryogenic and photonics research labs; a makerspace and machine shop; and a range of high-performance labs that will allow various programs from optical/hardware labs to thermal labs with test chambers.

The new building will meet a minimum of LEED Gold certification to contribute to Nokia’s target of Net Zero emissions by 2050 and deliver a 50% reduction by 2030.

Prior to the architectural project, HERA and the design team worked collaboratively with Nokia on their Workplace Investigation to find the new headquarters site, inform the future campus infrastructure laboratory needs, equipment requirements and workplace processes. The investigation also considered recruitment/retention needs and long-term company planning.