Souto de Moura Building Novartis Campus, Basel

03.01.11 - A seven-storey laboratory building based on a design by the architect Souto de Moura was constructed on the Novartis Campus in Basel. Ernst Basler + Partner prepared the complex design for the structural framework, which represents a major component of the architecture for the architect.

The design by the architect, Souto de Moura, provides a virtually transparent building for the seven-storey laboratory. The supporting structure resting on a flat foundation consists of reinforced concrete in the basement and of long span flat reinforced floor slabs in the storeys above. The vertical supporting structure consists of just two core zones, which simultaneously supply the laboratories and offices with media. The horizontal reinforcement is provided by the frame effect of the rising shafts.

Closely linking the demanding structural framework systems with the mechanical services and laboratory installations was a major challenge.