'john curtin school of medical research' by lyons architecture
image courtesy of lyons architecture


australian architecture firm, lyons has completed 'john curtin school of medical research',
a research laboratory designed to enhance interactivity and collaborative research. located
in the capital city of australia, the low-rise structure is based at the australian national
university in canberra.

housing research facilities, exhibition areas and a 200 seat public lecture theater, the building
features a series of internal spaces that are connected with stairs and open atria aimed at
promoting social exchange and fraternization.



plaza
image courtesy of lyons architecture


angular glass and steel fins expand outwards, giving the form a strong sense of movement and
orientation. alternating panels gradually reveal the inner-workings of the school as the viewer
approaches the entrance. digitally rendered concrete panels on the side and back elevations
symbolize the research work of the school through simplified icons of molecules and codified
representations of the DNA strand.



approach
image courtesy of lyons architecture


inside, flexibly designed laboratories accommodate small and large groups, allowing research to
be undertaken in a variety of manners. office areas for independent analysis and support staff are
located next to the labs, delivering an integrated and highly efficient workplace.



image © paul strasser



lobby
image courtesy of lyons architecture



back elevation
image courtesy of lyons architecture



detail of digitally rendered concrete panels
image courtesy of lyons architecture



courtyard
image courtesy of lyons architecture



back
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front
image courtesy of lyons architecture



rendering
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rendering of exterior courtyard
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aerial view
image courtesy of lyons architecture