Functional biology: providing an open forum for a closed scientific community, this new research institute in Dresden civilizes its large scale by inventive use of materials and light - Max Planck Institute - related article: Architect - Brief Article

Architectural Review, The, August, 2002 by Layla Dawson

Biotechnology is one of the two specialist fields (the other being microelectronics), on which Dresden is rebuilding its post-1989 economy. The Max Planck Institute (MPI) has assumed a leading role in 'Biopolis Dresden' by founding a new international molecular cell biology and genetic research centre. A made-to-measure building solution was speedily agreed on when a promising group of scientists threatened to move to a city more sensitive to their needs. Dresden's hospital handed over a site they had reserved for their future extension and the usual architectural competition process was dispensed with. The Finnish practice Heikkinen-Komonen were commissioned as architects, working with Munich-based HENN Architekten for their expertise on highly serviced buildings.

The new research institute is a post-genomic era organization operating in a global context. Over 300 scientists from 26 countries work in 25 groups mapping out cell biology. Geographically, Dresden is a convenient central European meeting point and the building site, between university medical faculty and hospital, was chosen to maximize multidisciplinary contacts. This is Germany, but the language of scientific exchange is English.

For Dresden, with its reputation for resisting contemporary architecture, Heikkinen-Komonen's pragmatic geometry, Yves Klein blue aluminium cladding, climate-ameliorating veil of green metal mesh and minimalist details are a novelty. A minor architectural revolution has taken place without comment, perhaps because the site is not among the Baroque chain of churches and palaces on the Elbe terraces, but in the less prominent suburb of Johannstadt.

A linear tract contains 9600 sqm of usable space split between three buildings. The laboratory block is the largest. Two geometrical statements, a spiral stairway in a tube of perforated steel and a column of seminar rooms, rise through the full-height reception foyer. Bridges of immaculate fair-faced concrete connect two laboratory wings. A library and 300 seat auditorium open off the foyer which also contains a cafe and restaurant leading out to a garden terrace. In contrast to the functional laboratory 'homebases', each the domain of a professor and his team, every opportunity is taken to provide spaces and places where staff linger longer for productive discussion, informal Encounters and relaxation. During the recent World Cup, the auditorium screened games and in the roof-top pergola, smokers gathered for match post mortems and to contemplate the river view.

The second block is a windowless building containing various controlled environments for animals, fly breeding and hatcheries. The third block, housing human visitors in hotel style bedsits and extra offices for the institute, has been divided into two terraces facing each other across a Japanese gravel garden. A horizontal timber screen runs across the two terrace gables to create a measure of privacy and sustain the illusion of a single structure.

Architectural clarity is deceptive. Complex inner working maintain several climatic zones. Heating is supplied from a district circuit but ventilation needs are individually designed and must be segregated. Laboratory effluents are tested for their pH value before being released into the sewage system. Hazardous wastes are stored in tanks before being collected for processing. Perimeter circuits, for water, steam, and gas supplies, allow for flexible laboratory replanning and there are no suspended ceilings, to simplify maintenance. An in-house power station provides steam for sterilizers and humidifiers and an emergency system maintains experiments, saves data, and runs safety functions. Sensitively reconciling the dichotomy of universal scientific knowledge with the secrecy required to protect patents worth millions, Heikkinen-Komonen's building provides an open forum for a closed community.

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Heikkinen-Komonen Architects, Helsinki

Associate architect

HENN Architekten

Structural engineer

G. Scholz Partner

Services engineer

Jaeger, Mornhinweg Partner

Landscape architect

Petzold

Photographs

Jussi Tiainen