Architect: VINES architecture

Location: Baltimore, MD

The Henrietta Lacks building is a 34,000sf  academic building at Johns Hopkins University. Named in honor of Henrietta Lacks, who was a  woman treated for cervical cancer at JHU Hospital in 1951.  Upon her passing, it was discovered that her “immortal cells”  remained alive in culture outside of her body and have subsequently led to a number of significant advancements in modern medicine. These cells, known today as HELA cells, were harvested without her consent and distributed throughout the world to use for medical research.  Henrietta Lacks' story presents very complex ethical and social justice issues still relevant  today.