Connecting the most diverse requirements into an extremely heterogeneous and tight urban fabric places great demands on the architectural concept. The decision to link to an existing building on one side while creating a harmonious transition to nature on the other, informs the building’s structure without adversely affecting the site’s existing functions. Spatial qualities, directly perceived through daylight, proportion, and materiality, are equally visible in public areas and in the highly technical laboratories.

In addition to the high quality of residence in the professional environment, communication plays a central role, both inside and outside. The Agora area, the public level of the building, connects the campus’s existing pathways to the laboratory and office levels via interconnected communication areas and informal workplaces. The Atrium, main entrance of the building, offers public meeting points and enables exceptional events to take place. The building skin is designed to enhance daylight use in the depth of the building.

This provides for a better individual climate control. Daylight enhancement systems, optimized sunlight protection, the responsible management of natural resources in the construction and maintenance of the building, as well as the use of both renewable and existing energy systems on site are preconditions for a successful and sustainable working environment. They, together with ISREC’s own research goals, establish a future oriented image for the new facility. Credits: Dr. Heinekamp Labor-und Institutsplanung, ZPF Ingenieure AG, Emmer Pfenninger Partner AG, Steiner SA, Tolochenaz Credits: - Emmer Pfenninger Partner AG - Facade - Steiner SA, Tolochenaz - General Contractor - ZPF Ingenieure AG - Structural Engineer - Dr.

Heinekamp Labor- und Institutsplanung - Laboratory Planning