Description

The research concept of the James H. Clark Center is based on a broad scientific cooperation in the fields of medical and biological fundamental research. Natural scientists, scholars, engineers, physicians as well as scientists conducting solely experiments or theoretical analysis work together in multi-disciplinary teams. The faculties of biotechnology, biomedicine and bioscience of Stanford University participate in this joint project. It was developed as part of the ”Bio-X Programme” initiated and funded by James Clark and other donators.

The architecture reflects this approach towards research; the complex is designed to encourage communication and the exchange of ideas and thoughts. Located at its very heart, the complex forms the integrating centre of campus life. Three wings with three storeys each are grouped around a central courtyard and linked via bridges. Their building lines follow the block pattern of the university campus, while the sweeping interior façades define a freely formed green space that lends itself for multiple uses and breaks.

The brief called for a mixed-use scheme, which led to an innovative layout that clearly sets itself apart from common typologies of research buildings. To a large extent, the areas in the eastern and western wing comprise large open spaces facing the courtyard. They contain individual service shafts to enable flexible layouts and can be used as wet or dry laboratories or studies. If required, individual units can be visually and acoustically separated. With a view to constantly changing research scenarios, every conceivable furnishing is possible.

The buildings’ outer zones accommodate circulation areas, secondary rooms, and individual office cells. Due to their glazed interior walls they can be integrated into the large lab areas. Interior circulation areas were minimised. Connections are established via exterior walkways covered by a protruding canopy. This structure unifies the complex; it strengthens the organic shape of the interior courtyard and its spatial privacy; last but not least, it conceals the plant rooms at roof level.

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