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Elliptical Glass Façade With Integrated Photovoltaics and Sustainable Water Management Systems in a Life Sciences Facility

Author:
Peter Pabel
Elliptical Glass Façade With Integrated Photovoltaics and Sustainable Water Management Systems in a Life Sciences Facility

Project in-detail

An elliptical glass façade, integrated photovoltaic systems, and a focus on sustainable water management define a cutting-edge laboratory dedicated to advancing research in life sciences.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features an elliptical form that enhances natural light and movement throughout the facility.
02
Integrated photovoltaic panels on the roof contribute to the building's energy efficiency while maintaining aesthetic cohesion.
03
Sustainable water management systems incorporate features like biofiltration to support the surrounding landscape.
04
Collaborative spaces designed for flexibility encourage interdisciplinary interactions among researchers.
05
A transparent glass façade establishes visual connectivity between indoor laboratories and the external environment.

### Architectural Design Report: Mitochondrium Research and Laboratory Building, Humboldt University, Berlin

#### Overview
The Mitochondrium Research and Laboratory Building at Humboldt University in Berlin provides a state-of-the-art facility for the Life Sciences department. Its design reflects a commitment to promoting interdisciplinary research while being thoughtfully integrated into the urban environment. This structure aims to support the advancement of scientific inquiry through a cohesive architectural narrative.

#### Conceptual Framework
The architectural concept draws inspiration from the theme of water, symbolizing its essential role in life sciences as well as its characteristics of adaptability and connectivity. This theme permeates the design, facilitating the free flow of ideas and collaboration across different research disciplines.

#### Materiality and Design Elements
A diverse palette of materials reinforces the building's thematic narrative. The predominant use of glass enhances transparency, maximizing natural light and providing views of the surrounding landscape. Concrete features lend structural integrity while contrasting with the lightness of the glass. Sustainability is woven into the design through the incorporation of photovoltaic elements on the roof, which harness solar energy, as well as various water management systems that contribute to energy regulation.

The building is characterized by its elliptical form, which reflects organic biological shapes and fosters circulation among users. The spatial organization comprises flexible work areas that can be connected or isolated as needed, encouraging spontaneous interactions among researchers. Extensive landscaping further enriches the environment, with gardens and seating areas that enhance user experience and well-being.

Functionally, the building combines open and enclosed spaces to support a range of activities, from focused research to collaborative discussions. Natural light floods the open stairwell, serving as both a circulation route and a social hub, effectively embodying the communal aspect of scientific endeavors.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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