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Van Leeuwenhoek Laboratory by DHV Architecten
Eindhoven studio DHV Architecten have completed a laboratory for nanotechnology in Delft, the Netherlands.
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Called Van Leeuwenhoek Laboratory, the building centres around an atrium where meetings can take place.
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Above photo is by Koos Rensen
The laboratory operates 24 hours a day and corridors lining the facade make scientists visible from outside the campus.
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Photographs are by Rene de Wit unless stated otherwise.
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The information below is from the architects:
Van Leeuwenhoek Laboratory. It’s an advanced research facility for nanotechnology. It is unique in being the only laboratory where a national research organization and a leading technology university join forces to create the extraordinary.
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This state-of-the-art facility is the result of decades of pioneering research by TNO and TU Delft.
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Whether it is science, education, R&D or business opportunities: Delft is at the heart of nanotechnology innovations worldwide.
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Industrial buildings are characterized by a pragmatic and process-driven configuration.
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Unlike schools, theaters and libraries it’s not the user-experience but the industrial process which is leading.
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Form follows function.
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Progressive and very complex research places extremely high demands on the building.
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The underlying principle of the architectonic design was to once again place humans in a central position.
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The focus thus lies on communication between the building’s users, but also on (visual) communication with the outside world – the atrium plays an important role in this.
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It forms an interface between the clean rooms (machine) and users. The atrium is suitable for meetings and stimulates an exchange of knowledge.
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Because the building is occupied around the clock, at night it acts as a beacon for its surroundings.
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The main corridors adjoin the outer facades in such a way that the scientists become visible from the campus and the daylight and heat load of the cleanrooms can be regulated more efficiently.
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The colored perforations in the building’s façade provide insight into the technology of the future, from within the building they serve as guiding points for the technical staff.
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Client: TNO Finance & Real Estate
Location: Delft – The Netherlands
Project scope: 9300 m2 GFA
Design to completion: 2004 – 2009
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See also:
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