At a constructive level, it is remarkable the use of innovative materials and techniques, as is the case of the circular multimedia facade in which moving works are exhibited, based on the microscopic life of illustrious artists, this facade is formed by photovoltaic modules and are backlit by an LED mesh that functions as a screen, this entire surface lets light through it to illuminate the interior spaces, which are designed with custom furniture and experimental.
Projecting the future. Novartis Pavilion by AMDL CIRCLE and Michele De Lucchi
Projecting the future. Novartis Pavilion by AMDL CIRCLE and Michele De Lucchi
Description of project by AMDL CIRCLE and Michele De Lucchi
The Novartis Pavillon designed by AMDL CIRCLE and Michele De Lucchi has opened in Basel, Switzerland. Located on the Novartis Campus, the new exhibition, meeting, and event center is the first publicly accessible building on the site that aims to promote a dialogue about life sciences and become a resource that showcases the past, present, and future of healthcare.
The Milan-based practice was appointed to design the new structure following an international design competition in 2017 organized by Novartis under the creative direction of Vittorio Lampugnani. The Novartis Pavillon is the latest addition to the Novartis Campus Basel and joins a collection of buildings designed by other high-profile architects including David Chipperfield, Frank Gehry, and Tadao Ando.
The Novartis Pavillon is intended to be a place of learning, knowledge, and exchange for the general public, to bring the world of science and medicine closer to the community. It houses Wonders of Medicine, a permanent multimedia exhibition designed by ATELIER BRÜCKNER with content created in close collaboration with the scientists from Novartis.
A zero-energy media facade
The new building features a distinctive, zero-energy media facade that plays a symbolic role in the architecture. AMDL CIRCLE carried out a series of parametric design studies to define the geometry and graphic image of the facade, which was further designed and engineered in collaboration with iart.
The facade uses a new generation of organic photovoltaic and a grid of LED lights to screen the works of three international artists, Daniel Canogar, Esther Hunziker, and Semiconductor. Curated by HEK (House of Electronic Arts) in Basel, the selected artists collaborated with scientists to develop light installations inspired by the shapes and colors of cells and molecules, as well as the themes of sustainability and the convergence of art and science.
Flexible architecture that communicates the values of science
Designed to reinforce the promotion of connectivity for visitors and staff alike, the building’s circular plan is structured across two levels, a ground floor and a mezzanine, that will cater to different functions. On the ground floor, 360 glazing allows natural light to enter the space in perfect continuity with the outside.
The open space with expansive external views overlooking the river Rhine is designed to welcome visitors, as well as provide flexible spaces for learning, meetings, and events. Adjacent to the entrance foyer is a café and a check-in area that includes an informal and reconfigurable presentation space that is designed to promote interaction and provide a platform to carry out events but also to welcome visiting groups such as schools and associations. The use of acoustic curtains to divide the spaces and the wide range of digital technologies make it a state-of-the-art destination for the campus and the city of Basel.
Wonders of Medicine
On the mezzanine, a multimedia theatre with stair seating acts as a link between the ground floor and the upper floor, leading visitors to the subjects of the "Wonders of Medicine exhibition".
AMDL CIRCLE designed the space as a fluid gallery, with no walls or dividing elements creating a stage for the exhibition designed by ATELIER BRÜCKNER. Visitors are taken on a circular journey through four distinct themes: Fragility of Life which describes how diseases and therapies affect the lives of patients; From Lab to Patient which shows the processes involved in medicine development and production; Steps Through Time which tells the history of medicine and the emergence of the pharmaceutical industry in Basel; and The Future of Healthcare which invites visitors to join virtual discussions with experts on the social and ethical implications of trends shaping the future of healthcare.
Artificial lights run along the underside of the double-pitched roof, which takes the form of a large ogive and merges with the luminosity and vibrancy of the video monitors placed along the wall. The result is an immersive environment where the visitor has the sensation of being inside the world of science, research, and the evolution of knowledge.
A collaborative team
AMDL CIRCLE collaborated closely with a local architect and general planner Blaser Butscher Architekten AG, who was responsible for the planning, tender, technical design, construction, and delivery of the project. Overseeing a team of 25 planners and over 50 separate contractors, they were also responsible for the construction and assembly of prototypes for all relevant structures, finishes, and interiors on the site.
Customized furnishings
The internal material palette was chosen to create a luminous and humanistic appeal. The "whitened" laminated wood structure and ceiling slats combined with a continuous light grey terrazzo floor provide a background for the dark green division curtains and details in natural oak wood. AMDL CIRCLE designed customized furnishings for the project that were produced by Produzione Privata, the company created by Michele De Lucchi to develop experimental design objects and promote craftsmanship.
