lyons: john curtin school of medical research

‘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.

plazaimage 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

backimage courtesy of lyons architecture

front image courtesy of lyons architecture

rendering image courtesy of lyons architecture

rendering of exterior courtyardimage courtesy of lyons architecture

aerial viewimage courtesy of lyons architecture