La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science / Lyons Architecture

La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (La Trobe University) in Melbourne, Australia by Lyons Architecture:

The La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) is a major new building on La Trobe University’s Bundoora Campus, which will meet the University’s long-term needs in terms of student learning and research in the science disciplines.

The building is designed around the University’s specific model for creating a pathway for students in science; an environment where students can develop into student researchers and ultimately into lead researchers.

The lower levels of the building accommodate first to third year undergraduate learning spaces – with large open flexible labs (accommodating teaching cohorts for 160 students) connected with ‘dry’ learning spaces. This allows students to move between laboratory based project work, to digital and collaborative learning activities within the adjacent spaces. At ground level, these learning spaces breakout to new landscaped spaces, extending the idea of placing students at the centre of outside social and learning areas.

The upper three levels of the building are research focused and based around a highly collaborative model. All laboratories are large open flexible spaces where teams are able to work together, or expand and contract according to research funds. These large ‘super labs’ are located immediately adjacent to write-up spaces, allowing a very direct physical and visual connection between all research work areas.

A series of further shared spaces, including a major conference room, staff ‘college’ lounge and informal meeting spaces, are also located on the research levels. The design is fully integrated with the adjacent existing building, which accommodates a number of other LIMS research staff and laboratories.

via ArchDaily