The design for the multilevel laboratory building for the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Stuttgart is aimed at creating adaptive space that meets both the changing requirements of laboratory operations as well as the high security standards—all with minimal expanse. Further, the design had to be as compact as possible due to the limited size of the plot within the existing campus. Together, these requirements lead to the internal division of the upright standing oyster shell in a public area for circulation and recreation, and a private one for research purposes. This demand for two separated areas directly influenced the use of materials. Looking at the interior, the main core is located laterally and made out of raw concrete. The continuous floor levels make evident that the sum of the common areas, in contrast to the oyster, is not a physically coherent space. Therefore, the continuous space—for circulation and recreation—is pervaded with drawings by Büro für Konstruktivismus, creating a storyline throughout the public space. Read more