Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics

The molecular biological research center, financed by the Max Planck Institute, consists of a laboratory block, test animal maintenance unit and apartments for visiting research workers.
The center is located on the banks of the river Elbe. The narrow plot is divided lengthways into zones of buildings, motorized and pedestrian traffic, and gardens.
The laboratory block contains six autonomous research units sharing common service and administrative areas, a library, restaurant and auditorium. The units are grouped around the entrance hall where scientists can meet each other while lunching, reading professional journals, negotiating or having a coffee break.
The laboratory building is clad externally in deep blue metal. The oxidized copper grille on the front of the facade is to protect the working areas from the sun. The effect of the green copper hatching on the deep blue wall varies according to the viewer's movement and position.