Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a private research University enrolling roughly 25,000 students. A range of undergraduate and graduate programs are offered, leading to degrees through the doctorate in six undergraduate colleges, eight graduate schools, and two part-time divisions.

This study focused on two specialized space types: research/nonclass laboratories and their associated service space as well as faculty office space. Northeastern sought an assessment to determine whether or not the existing research space was being effectively utilized by the current occupants, and whether the space was suitable for contemporary research. The analysis of office space focused on the amount of office time devoted to research by faculty and research staff that did not have a second office location within a research lab.

Existing research space "clusters" were examined by total square footage assigned to each principal investigator, with averages calculated for divisions and departments. These clusters included labs as well as office space in an effort to determine the total research "footprint". Square footage data derived from this exercise was, in turn, linked to research funding dollars. Other team members conducted a qualitative assessment of research space, including configuration, suitability, and expandability.