richard meier architects: italcementi i.lab in italy

richard meier architects: italcementi i.lab in bergamo, italyimage © scott francesall images courtesy of richard meier architects

the ‘italcementi i.lab,’ located in bergamo at the east end of nouvel’s ‘kilometro rosso scientific technology park,’ is the new research and development center for the concrete manufacturer that ranks amongst the top five in the world. designed by acclaimed american architect richard meier, the complex exercises a creative and dynamic use of concrete which reflects the company’s commitment to leadership, technology, research, and innovation, awarded one of the first LEED platinum projects in italy and in fact all of europe. the triangular site suggested the V-shapedfootprint of the building that separates the technical functions from the administrative program connected by the central courtyard. central corridorsand a regular structural grid add to the efficiency of circulation and organization of space. the southernmost branch contains conference rooms,a two-storey multi-functional hall, and a sky-lit board room. the characteristic canopy emphasizes the building’s peculiar layout, with deep eavesthat block direct sunlight in the summer, at the same time dotted with skylights to reassure a visually comfortable interior environment. horizontal louvers line the glass facades to further filter out direct light and help control solar gain and glare characteristics.

dukho yeon, the design partner-in-charge, comments:

‘this is our fourth completed project in italy, after the jesolo lido village, the ara pacis museum, and the jubilee church. i.lab is our firm’s most sustainable building to date embodied in sculptural and dramatic, but simple forms showcasing the possibilities of concrete in perfect balance with the technical purpose of the building.’

glass facade with shading louversimage © scott frances

architect richard meier describes the project:

‘we first began working with italcementi and with its president, mr. carlo pesenti, while designing the jubilee church in rome. the church was initially designed to be poured in place white concrete, but in conjunction with italcementi we concluded that 12 ton white pre-cast concrete panels would be a better way to execute the design. the white concrete developed by italcementi and now used in the construction of the i.lab building in bergamo is self-cleaning and therefore will always be white.

with italcementi, we have worked together to create a new office and research building for the 21st century – a landmark that upholds and builds upon the country’s architectural tradition. the italcementi i.lab reinforces our firm’s commitment to accessible, open and sustainable architecture.’

entry plazaimage © scott frances

interior atrium with glass rampimage © scott frances

section modelimage © scott frances

site plan

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

elevation

section perspective

project info:

design principals: richard meier, dukho yeonproject architects: vivian lee, simone ferracinacollaborators: roberto mancinelli, dongkyu lee, amalia rusconi-clerici, robert kim, cedric m. cornu,  wen-yu tu, guillermo murcia, luca aliverti, tetsuhito abe