Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt / Huber Staudt Architekten

Architects: Huber Staudt Architekten
Location: Abbestraße 2, Berlin, Germany
Design Team: Julian Arons , Alexandra Barre, Magdalena Falska , António Henriques , Christian Huber, Sebastian Kroeker , Leander Moons , Anna Naumann, Natalia Novoa Vidal, Jördis Petzold, Tobias Shepherd , the Wolfgang Staudt, Joachim Staudt, Jörg weighting
Area: 1,759 sqm
Year: 2012
Photographs: Werner Hutmacher

Landscape Architecture: BERNARD und SATTLER Landschaftsarchitekten

From the architect. The new MRI Laboratory is part of the “physical park” of the PTB Institute. The MRI is located underground in the historic “crystal-controlled-clock cellar”, which lies projecting the basement of the observatory. A folded green roof marks the sculptural entrance, ” submerging” becomes readable, the laboratory thus turns into  an intrinsic element of this park.

Visitors, test persons and staff enter the building situated on the lower level via the entrance hall. The hall is serviced by a straight stair and a hydraulic hoist for the transport of disabled test persons and for mechanical components of the MRI. All rooms of the MRI laboratory are situated completely on the lower ground level, an inclined courtyard provides daylight and natural ventilation. The central control room in the axis of the MRI, a preparation laboratory for testing constructions, an examination room for the test persons and an emergency room are supported by service rooms (shower with lockers, wheelchair accessible bathroom and HVAC room).

The views aim towards the observatory across the inclined courtyard and into the trees of the “physical park”.

The glass façade with flush fittings and the polished stainless steel panels covering the columns support the dynamics of the building. External walls and ceilings are made of fair faced concrete. Clerestory windows in all walls preserve the continuity of space, supported by in situ terrazzo from marble chips. White acoustic panels with micro perforation provide sound protection. Laboratory and ambulatory spaces are equipped with most modern LED lighting.