national laboratory of genomics by TEN arquitectos
all images courtesy TEN arquitectos

the national laboratory of genomics by mexican firm TEN arquitectos (taller de enrique norten)
located in the bajio, mexico’s breadbasket has just been complete. it is an extension of
the institute of agricultural studies. the location and geology of the site—an empty field
with a fault line deep below—gave rise to the metaphor that defines the form of the building:
an inscribed line divides the program in half, with the laboratories on one side and the administrative
and auditorium spaces on the other, and also delineates the public areas. this constructed
fault line forms an intimate civic space that connects the different programs.




the project is nestled into a built-up artificial topography, a new terrain that manifests
the nature of the work inside the institution. the laboratories are absorbed into the site,
evident predominantly as a series of terraces that modulate transitions between interior
and exterior, lab and field. voids cut into the landscape create secluded patios, bringing
light into the building. the embedded laboratories provide private and isolated spaces
for research and also insulated and easily controlled environments for testing. in contrast,
the administrative and auditorium spaces assert the presence of the technical and the social.






the transparency and precision of the facades bring the landscape into the building,
yet the contrast between structure and surroundings is an uncompromising reminder
of the role of engineering and high technology in the study of genomics. the almost
camouflaged effect of the entire project gently integrates building and site; at the same
time, it lends an air of intrigue to the activities within.





public space


public space





lab section



administrative section


administrative section


elevation view

elevation view


floor plan


floor plan


site plan