Description

The Max Bergmann Centre is a joint venture of the Institute for Polymer Research Dresden and the Technical University of Dresden. The biochemical, cell biological/microbiological, and physical/chemical laboratories serve the multi-disciplinary cooperation of changing research teams. Apart from the actual research activities carried out on the premises, the centre provides information and educational work and aims to rouse the public’s interest in new biomedical technologies, scientific trends, and the latest medical developments.

The differentiated volume with its lively façades render the new building a landmark on this significant inner city site which used to be a gap in the dense existing building fabric. As an articulate structure full of architectural suspense it reacts to the adjacent context: It defines and supplements the street-space of Budapester Straße with its large-scale façade elements whose layers consist of few elements. The façade layers facing the courtyard consist of smaller and more varied elements. Here, places were created that encourage visitors and users to linger, to ”recharge their batteries” and engage in lively exchange.

The urban context, which is reflected in the building’s exterior, also finds its expression in the interior layout. The laboratories face northwest, i.e. towards the noisy street. A noise screen in front of the escape walkways also helps to reduce the relatively low remaining solar radiation on this side. The offices and studies for theoretical work face the quiet green courtyard. They received exterior maintenance gangways and exterior solar blinds as shading devices. Also positioned on this side are a seminar room with an attached southern terrace and the full height foyer space with an open stairway. Fully visible from inside and outside, this stairway serves as vertical communication and circulation axis.

The building is a reinforced concrete frame structure with a solid core providing stiffness and thermal mass.

Last but not least, the desired transparent, accessible, and inviting atmosphere was achieved by the façade layers made of different materials such as pre-patinated copper, structural glazing, and weaved metal mesh which change their appearance according to the prevailing light and point of view.

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Originally published in: Hardo Braun, Dieter Grömling, Research and Technology Buildings: A Design Manual, Birkhäuser, 2005.