Research and talk
Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) at the Vienna BioCenter
The IMP forms the nucleus of the Vienna Biocenter, a leading global center for the biological sciences.The core requirements of our planning were to promote communication amongst the researchers, guarantee the flexibility of the laboratories in the light of future technical demands and optimize the energy performance of the building.
The new general environment and specific technical needs of science and research meant that the construction of a new building was essential. With the planning of the 15,000 m2 building, we succeeded in creating a world-class research facility that offers scientists an optimal platform for “research and interaction”.
Integrally designed: An energy-efficient building
The energy concept demonstrates the great advantages of integrated design with BIM. The resource-saving energy concept was developed in cooperation with ATP sustain. Thermal insulation with a thickness of 40 centimeters behind the vertical façade strips and triple glazing provide the basis for a highly energy-efficient building. A large proportion of the energy employed in the building can be reused. Heat and cold recovery, biological treatment of waste water, automatically darkening electrochromic glass, and intelligent LED lighting are further factors that facilitate resource-saving building operation.
Spaces for communication
In the center of the building an area of uninterrupted glazing offers views into the five-story atrium which acts as the heart of the building and as a communication space. Open working areas, comfortable meeting spaces and modern, flexible laboratory zones are arranged around this generous atrium. A “Public Outreach Area” with exhibition spaces and a lecture theater are accessible to the public and has the objective of improving the status of research in society.The IMP is connected to the neighboring institutes, IMBA and GMI, via a glass bridge and promotes interdisciplinary exchange between the scientists.
The façade recalls the DNA code
Curiosity about the new IMP building is already awoken from the outside by the strong vertical structuring of the façade. The design of the building envelope was based on the diagram of the decoding of DNA as a result of which this envelope subtly hints at the activities of the researchers within.
One core competence of the building is the investigation of cells under the microscope. Dichroitic film is sometimes used in this process in order to highlight contrasts. We translated this method and image into three dimensions in order to create a trademark for the research institute.
Dario Travaš
Architect, Partner, Head of Design in Vienna and Managing Director in Zagreb and Belgrade
