Príncipe Felipe Research Centre

TECHNOLOGICAL ARCHITECTURE

TECHNOLOGICAL ARCHITECTURE

Valencia (Spain)

2004

30.000 m²

AWARD-WINNING PROJECT

The research centre is located next to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Valencia. It is a private foundation attached to the Consellería de Sanitat of the Generalitat Valenciana, dedicated to biomedical research and to applying research outcomes to the healthcare system.

Form and Function

The aim of this project is to achieve the greatest possible functionality, projecting a technological, sober and forceful image that a centre of these characteristics requires.

Uses and Spaces

The programme distinguishes two fundamental uses: the area devoted to research and the zone housing the building's services and management. Accordingly, the elements configuring the centre respond to these requirements: on one hand, a plinth containing the services zone is created, from which three cubic volumes emerge to define the research area. Two glass shafts, accommodating the vertical circulation, articulate the three prisms.

Abstraction

This construction is characterised by the rhythmic succession of translucent volumes that respond to their surrounding context. Its permeable façade acquires a uniform and continuous appearance, differing from conventional openings typically used in this type of building. In this way, the building attains an abstract dimension that enhances the clean expression of its form.

The complex is approached by two ramps: a pedestrian one blending into the public square, and a vehicular ramp leading to the building's basement levels. Everything is framed within a space intended for public use, composed of a green area and a paved square containing a reflecting pool.

Clean Materials

The finishes in this area meet a series of technical, hygienic and biological protection requirements that homogenise the space. Each block is wrapped with a double skin of translucent glass protected by a horizontal grid of aluminium slats. The element that houses the public-use spaces is conceived as a warmer space, with finishes in wood and natural stone.