RIEHLE KOETH: Biotechnology centre extension, Tübingen  - best architects 26

RIEHLE KOETH

Biotechnology centre extension, Tübingen

best architects 26

office/administrative buildings

Place

Tübingen, Germany

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.