RIEHLE KOETH
Biotechnology centre extension, Tübingen
best architects 26
office/administrative buildings
Place
Tübingen, Germany
Studio
Photos
Brigida González
Description
Located in the northern part of the city near the
University Hospital and Max Planck Institutes, Tübingen’s technology park is
becoming a sought-after location for innovative companies in biotechnology,
nanotechnology, medical technology and information technology. The
biotechnology centre leased by Immatics sits at the heart of this growing hub,
and its planned extension will add flexible office spaces as well as a new
foyer and conference area. Due to the close proximity to the existing building
and its location on the redesigned square in front of the astronomical
observatory, the expansion presents both challenges and opportunities. The
design incorporates a slender, skeletal building with external infrastructure
cores that functionally connect and visually separate old and new, ensuring
optimal daylight conditions and a sheltered courtyard while creating a
distinct, autonomous structure marking the new edge of the square. The rounded
architectural forms of the external infrastructure cores engage in dialogue
with the neighbouring observatory, while the angular building – with stacked,
adaptable platforms – exudes calmness and harmonises with the existing
structure in terms of colour and façade proportions. The continuous façade design
is intentionally interrupted at the building’s front end by a double-height
foyer as a striking entrance area and a café/bar that enlivens the redesigned
square.

