Schoneman: The trend to create a “campus” feel among life-science users continues. People want to feel like they are part of a community, and being part of a campus that has a restaurant, fitness center, gathering areas, etc., helps fulfill that desire.

GlobeSt.com: Beyond the name, what are amenity providers such as restaurants and gyms in corporate complexes doing to establish these facilities as part of the property's brand?

Schoneman: Amenities such as restaurants and gyms are being architecturally designed to further enhance the culture of local campuses and are being used to help add to campus branding. These amenities create a lifestyle work environment that a number of today's technology and life-science companies are looking to secure in their facilities. Amenities allow landlords to market their buildings as not just a place to work, but also a place for tenants to be part of a larger community.

GlobeSt.com: In what types of office projects does this kind of branding work best?

Schoneman: We see this branding work best in life-sciences and tech campuses around San Diego. In particular, the local life-science sector is a very connected community that highly values locations to meet and collaborate outside of the lab. A good example of this is seen in the Alexandria, an amenity building in Torrey Pines that boasts a top-notch restaurant, fitness center and numerous collaboration areas for the local life-science and tech industry to enjoy.

GlobeSt.com: Where do you see this trend heading?

Schoneman: I expect this trend to continue as landlords look to further amenitize and differentiate their life-science and tech campuses. Amenities such as restaurants and fitness centers will continue to be part of campuses, as well as outdoor gathering areas. In addition, new amenities will continue to become part of campuses in order for landlords to differentiate their space and create work environments that best serve the ever-changing cultural trends. As landlords continue to amenitize campuses, look for retail-type components to become more commonplace.