The new build, designed by HENN, enables Merck to concentrate life science research and development in a center of research excellence to foster innovation in downstream R&D, cell cultures, process and formulation materials, analytical chemistry, digital chemistry, and mRNA. Facing the city centre, the building will be a cornerstone of the new research and development campus, built along the so-called Innovation Mile, an area marked at its southern end by the Innovation Center at Emanuel-Merck-Platz, which was also designed by HENN.
The compact cube opens to the campus and the city through two deeply incised atria, which are enclosed by a staggered, cantilevered arrangement of the upper floors. Daylight filters through the glass ceilings of the atria into the centre of the building.
Various plant species from the neighbouring Odenwald region, including trees up to nine meters tall, are incorporated into the building complete with their soil to transform the atria into recreational spaces. The louver structure is placed in front of the glazed façade and is cut open in front of the atria to offer glimpses into the interiors. Merck uses a ground-floor demonstration lab, the Technikum, to provide insights into its research work.
Mass models, scale 1:500. Life Science Advanced Research Center by HENN.
Structural model, scale 1:200. Life Science Advanced Research Center by HENN.
The open-plan layout of the upper stories combines laboratories and offices. Laboratory areas are located opposite each other on two outer sides of the building. The world of knowledge unfolds in between, including office space and shared communication areas for professional and informal exchange between employees. Glazed walls open the new building inwardly and outwardly to establish sightlines between all work areas, but also across the surrounding campus. The interiors use a subdued colour scheme to instil a comfortable atmosphere. Coloured glass walls emphasize the laboratory areas.
Projecting floor slabs on the south-facing facade and recessed terraces on its northern counterpart provide solar shading for the interiors on the individual levels in concert with external louvers made of bright perforated metal. Their spacing and orientation align with the sun's path, providing complete shading for the building. Rooftop photovoltaic systems generate electricity, while the greenery converts carbon dioxide to oxygen and absorbs particulate matter from the ambient air.
The Life Science Advanced Research Center marks a major step towards a central research and development campus at the Merck Group headquarters. It strengthens the significance of Darmstadt as a location for life science technologies.
The compact cube opens to the campus and the city through two deeply incised atria, which are enclosed by a staggered, cantilevered arrangement of the upper floors. Daylight filters through the glass ceilings of the atria into the centre of the building.
Various plant species from the neighbouring Odenwald region, including trees up to nine meters tall, are incorporated into the building complete with their soil to transform the atria into recreational spaces. The louver structure is placed in front of the glazed façade and is cut open in front of the atria to offer glimpses into the interiors. Merck uses a ground-floor demonstration lab, the Technikum, to provide insights into its research work.
Mass models, scale 1:500. Life Science Advanced Research Center by HENN.
Structural model, scale 1:200. Life Science Advanced Research Center by HENN.
The open-plan layout of the upper stories combines laboratories and offices. Laboratory areas are located opposite each other on two outer sides of the building. The world of knowledge unfolds in between, including office space and shared communication areas for professional and informal exchange between employees. Glazed walls open the new building inwardly and outwardly to establish sightlines between all work areas, but also across the surrounding campus. The interiors use a subdued colour scheme to instil a comfortable atmosphere. Coloured glass walls emphasize the laboratory areas.
Projecting floor slabs on the south-facing facade and recessed terraces on its northern counterpart provide solar shading for the interiors on the individual levels in concert with external louvers made of bright perforated metal. Their spacing and orientation align with the sun's path, providing complete shading for the building. Rooftop photovoltaic systems generate electricity, while the greenery converts carbon dioxide to oxygen and absorbs particulate matter from the ambient air.
The Life Science Advanced Research Center marks a major step towards a central research and development campus at the Merck Group headquarters. It strengthens the significance of Darmstadt as a location for life science technologies.
