RESEARCH LABORATORY - Groningen, Netherlands

This is a project by UNStudio and it is located at Groningen, Netherlands.  Project's program: Research laboratory as part of the medical faculty of the Rijksuniversiteit. 

The project whit  constructed from flat, vertical aluminum slats, which, in places, are twisted outwards in bowed forms. Tall, vertical undulations are generated, which present an open or a closed aspect depending on the angle under which they are viewed. which present forms  open or closed an one aspect depending on the angle under which they are viewed.

In the interior, two internal vertical voids allow daylight to enter the interior functioning as a form of internal facade. The two voids have the geometry of asymmetrical truncated cones which mirror each other vertically. Shared walkways surround these internal voids, creating a clear organisation whereby dark corridor systems can be avoided.On the ground floor, where daylight is at its lowest, yellow is used. Per floor this colour then deepens through to orange and finally to red on the uppermost level.

One of the strongest principles of contemporary architecture concerns the integral treatment of the volume; ideally, each of the five facades should reflect clearly what happens inside. 

UNStudio has designed a deceptively simple envelope constructed from flat, vertical aluminum slats, which, in places, are twisted outwards in bowed forms. Tall, vertical undulations are generated, which present an open or a closed aspect depending on the angle under which they are viewed.

On the lower level the colour yellow is used, which gradually changes to green towards the top of the building.

In the interior, two internal vertical voids allow daylight to enter the interior functioning as a form of internal facade. The two voids have the geometry of asymmetrical truncated cones which mirror each other vertically. Shared walkways surround these internal voids, creating a clear organisation whereby dark corridor systems can be avoided. On the ground floor, where daylight is at its lowest point , yellow is used. Per floor this colour then deepens through to orange and finally to red on the uppermost level.


Date 

Projectist: UNStudio

Client:  Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

Location: Groningen, The Netherlands

Building volume: 2.3792 m3

Status: Competition 1st Prize

Realisation: 2008