[ Studio Shift ] Taiwan Center for Disease Control Complex

Studio Shift received an honorable mention for their design of the Taiwan Center for Disease Control.  The complex, which fuses public landscape with scientific research, is poised to be one of Taiwan’s most important scientific centers.  ”The complex will set a new standard in laboratory and research facilities design, paralleling the work that will inevitably take place behind its walls,” stated the architects.

The placement of the CDC marks a symbolic gateway into the Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park.  The architecture literally extends toward the public, welcoming all with its two central arms.  A pedestrian path runs throughout the grounds of the complex, encircling the tower and providing views of both the inner workings of the CDC and the natural landscape.  The users are constantly connected with both structure and landscape as they utilize the public areas and the interior of the building.

As the building emerges from the ground, its landscaped roof rises with it.  This creates a large, flexible area accessible by a recreational path that connects to the grounds below.   Vast areas of open space, both on the plaza level and on the landscape roof, allow the footprint of the building to add nearly as much green space as it occupies.

While the landscape successful cooperates with the community, the structure creates a highly efficient organization and security system for the researchers. The majority of the labs are stacked within the tower to utilize a central circulation spine dedicated for service and waste removal. The separation of this space from the pedestrian path ensures that users never have to cross paths with waste, dangerous chemicals or fumes.

The new CDC design offers a holistic approach of operational efficiency and conservation of resources.  All major building systems conserve natural resources and minimize any potential negative impacts on the environment.  In addition to solar power collection, solar shading devices, and geothermal technology, access to natural light within all functions will enhance the psychological well being of workers, improving their productivity and the overall sustainability of the CDC.

By not imposing on the site, but rather aiming to seek harmonious relationship,  the CDC engages with the public realm while still providing efficient means for furthering science.  ”…The architecture of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control must embody the same fervor and determination found in its researchers’ quest for scientific progress. It must also promote connectivity and cohesion within the scientific community at large while opening its arms to the public which it serves,” the architects exclaimed.

from  arhdaily