Description

The basic idea for this multifunctional building was to develop a laboratory building that would encourage internal communication and discussion between the co-workers. An open building with merging functional zones was conceived that stimulates intellectual achievements by means of a light-flooded and highly transparent environment.

The building takes advantage of its location at the foot of a hill. An S-shaped structure with a mono-pitch roof traces the contour of the hill; existing trees on site were retained. The large-span exterior roof structure made of curved steel trusses supported by slender three-point columns clears the floor plans and enables continuous open laboratory zones. The poignant red of the steel structure reflects its importance for the open floor plan arrangement. A fully glazed exterior skin makes the roof seem to float and almost seamlessly links the interior to the surrounding landscape. Two ramps that are required to service the basement storage areas and the accentuated main entrance rhythmically order the long edifice.

The basement is subdivided into three zones: a technical service zone at the rear that apart from storage and technical areas also contains rooms for laboratory equipment; a middle zone with laboratories which is protected from direct sunlight and benefits from a pleasant ceiling height due to the mono-pitch roof, and a south-orientated analysis and study area separated from the laboratory desks by cupboards. At top level, conference and administrative spaces are located as well as the staff restaurant that opens up north towards the slope and the trees. A continuous gallery at this level facilitates orientation within the long building and links all laboratory areas. Frequent stair connections between gallery and ground floor prevent disturbing circulation between laboratory desks. The foyer space and a large conference hall are located adjacent to the lobby and can be reached from inside or outside without disrupting work.

Altogether, the architects designed a communicative and inspiring continuous space that is articulated in a pleasant way vertically and horizontally. It allows the enlargement or reduction of work areas and supports interdisciplinary cooperation of different project groups.

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