Magic network of life

Utrecht University’s Life Sciences Incubator (LSI) is a bioscience start-up business centre with laboratories and offices. In cooperation with Mecanoo Architects, Silo developed a spatial identity designed for privacy regulation on all the glass partition walls in the central atrium.

Client

Utrecht University

Partners

Architect: Mecanoo

Awards

Bronze European Design Award 2017

From micro to macro

The life sciences comprise the fields of science that involve the scientific study of living organisms – such as microorganisms, plants, animals, and human beings – and related considerations like bioethics. While biology remains the centrepiece of the life sciences, technological advances in molecular biology and biotechnology have led to a burgeoning of specializations and interdisciplinary fields.

In the life sciences, all living things are highly organized and structured. Silo assigned different levels of scale to the building floors. The hierarchy from micro to macro can be experienced from top to bottom. Selected atomic elements from the Periodic Table are used as building blocks for the illustrations, creating a magical, organic network of life.

Privacy in transparent architecture

A special feature within the architecture of the incubator is the light, central atrium. The ensemble of bridges and staircases with integrated meeting spots has been designed to promote cooperation. All floors are visible from the atrium. The glass partition walls provide a transparent architecture, but the privacy of the start-up companies should also be ensured.

From macro to micro and from micro to macro: Level 4. Atoms, Molecules & Macromolecules, Level 3. Organelles & Cells, Level 2. Tissues & Organs & Level 1. Organisms, Population & Communities Level 0: Biosphere.

Life Sciences Incubator periodic elements as building blocks.

A wonderful world

By using processing algorithms, Silo designed a method to create unique evolving patterns, regulating the transparency of the glass and adding identity to the building. Overlooking the heart of the LSI building gives an insight into the world of science, making the invisible visible. Visitors, researchers, students, teachers, and employees become part of the wonderful world of life sciences.