The University of Melbourne’s $140 million core research and development facility, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute (Bio21 Institute), is a multidisciplinary research centre specialising in medical, agricultural, and environmental biotechnology.
Accommodating more than 500 research scientists, students, and industry participants, the Bio21 Institute is one of the largest biotechnology research centres in Australia.
The Bio21 Institute seeks to improve human health and the environment through innovation in biotechnology and related areas, driven by collaborative research and dynamic interactions with industry.
Architects DesignInc was commissioned to design the Bio21 Institute’s Nancy Millis building.
This distinctive building combines state-of-the-art PC2, cleanroom research laboratories with workspaces, and collaborative shared spaces.
The building’s function is to facilitate the expansion of the Bio21 Institute’s engagement with multidisciplinary research, training, and industry.
This approach supports the Institute’s unique ‘school to bench to workplace’ vision.
Co-tenants, CSL Research share the facility as the home of their Global Hub for Research and Translational Medicine.
Thinking about scientific research begs the question: What is the essential quality a research building should have?
The answer – a sense of discovery.
Project architects DesignInc contended that the constrained, almost hidden character of the site provided an ideal opportunity to express that experience of discovery by creating a journey through space and nature.
The journey begins through a sequence of landscaped courtyards into a multi-level, light-filled collaboration forum, rich with biophilic experiences.
Like a clearing in a forest, the forum provides a natural focus to the building.
It opens to reveal a tall, tapering volume framed by natural materials and textures.
Accessible from multiple directions, the forum connects directly to the Bio21 David Penington building and is the primary shared space for formal and informal meetings, breakout, circulation, and collaboration.
Project Details
Project Size – 4,500 m2
Project Budget – $40,000,000
Completion date – 2018
Project Team
Architecture
DesignInc
DesignInc is an award-winning architectural and design practice with offices in Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney in Australia.
Their multidisciplinary teams are united with a common vision to make a difference to the health and happiness of people’s lives through the quality of the environments they help create.
Photography
Dianna Snape
Dianna Snape is an Australian architectural photographer based in Melbourne. She specializes in interiors, landscape, and architectural photography.
Her work features regularly in leading architectural and design magazines, both nationally and internationally.
Dianna is an Honours graduate of Melbourne’s RMIT BA (Photography) Course and has 15+years of experience in the field.
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
Design © 2020 DesignInc. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2020 Dianna Snape. All Rights Reserved.
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