“Inspired by a pinecone, the skin simulates a living organism with sunshades that adapt and respond to the sun’s orientation to mitigate daylight, heat load, glare and wind noise, while enhancing views and natural lighting and reducing energy use. This external treatment was selected early on to optimize the building’s conflicting requirements of large spans, curved envelope and the stringent vibration conditions needed for sensitive laboratory equipment. This project also includes collection & recycling of water, reduction in energy loads and intelligent mechanical systems that draw air in from the cooler lower levels. “

When a laboratory can turn out like this, you know there were focused progressive people involved and committed all along the way. Read more.