This first phase of the Molecular Design Institute spans the fifth floor of the Brown Building on Washington Place. The research performed in this laboratory includes the design and synthesis of crystalline molecular materials and functional polymers. The open plan of this 8,000 square foot facility maximizes efficient use of space, facilitating interaction and creating synergy among NYU faculty, students, staff, and visiting researchers. The interior open space, equipped with fume hood work areas, is ringed with windowed offices and core facilities, including a clean room, shared equipment space, and areas for atomic force microscopy.