Ten Arquitectos

National Laboratory Of Genomics

National Laboratory Of Genomics
© Luis Gordoa

NATIONAL LABORATORY OF GENOMICS

TEN Arquitectos

ARCHITECTS
TEN Arquitectos

PHOTOGRAPHS
Luis Gordoa

YEAR
2007

LOCATION
Maxico

CATEGORY
Laboratery

National Laboratory Of Genomics
© Luis Gordoa

Text description provided by architect.

Located in the Bajio, Mexico’s breadbasket, the National Laboratory of Genomics is an extension of the Institute of Agricultural Studies.

National Laboratory Of Genomics
© Luis Gordoa
National Laboratory Of Genomics
© Luis Gordoa

The location and geology of the site—an empty field with a fault line deep below—gave rise to the metaphor that defines the form of the building: an inscribed line divides the program in half, with the laboratories on one side and the administrative and auditorium spaces on the other, and also delineates the public areas.

This constructed fault line forms an intimate civic space that connects the different programs.

The project is nestled into a built-up artificial topography, a new terrain that manifests the nature of the work inside the institution. 

National Laboratory Of Genomics
© Luis Gordoa
National Laboratory Of Genomics
© Luis Gordoa
National Laboratory Of Genomics
© Luis Gordoa

The laboratories are absorbed into the site, evident predominantly as a series of terraces that modulate transitions between interior and exterior, lab and field.

Voids cut into the landscape create secluded patios, bringing light into the building.

The embedded laboratories provide private and isolated spaces for research and also insulated and easily controlled environments for testing.

National Laboratory Of Genomics
© Luis Gordoa
National Laboratory Of Genomics
© Luis Gordoa

In contrast, the administrative and auditorium spaces assert the presence of the technical and the social.

The transparency and precision of the facades bring the landscape into the building, yet the contrast between structure and surroundings is an uncompromising reminder of the role of engineering and high technology in the study of genomics.

National Laboratory Of Genomics
© Luis Gordoa
National Laboratory Of Genomics
© Luis Gordoa

The almost camouflaged effect of the entire project gently integrates building and site; at the same time, it lends an air of intrigue to the activities within.


National Laboratory Of Genomics
Sections 01
National Laboratory Of Genomics
Sections 02


National Laboratory Of Genomics
Level 01 Plan
National Laboratory Of Genomics
Level 03 Plan
National Laboratory Of Genomics
Level 05 Plan


National Laboratory Of Genomics
Sketch
National Laboratory Of Genomics
Site plan

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Ten Arquitectos
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