Modular design for the circularity of the multifunctional building LAB42

Within the Amsterdam Science Park, in 2022 the new multifunctional building LAB42 opens: a laboratory for Information Sciences and the Innovation Center for artificial intelligence of the University that offers a space of 14,000 square meters to study how to connect high tech to social needs

A highly flexible and energy-neutral building

In line with this type of architectural projects, the Benthem Crouwel Architects studio, in an integrated design team with Uva Real Estate Development, Bouwadviesbureau Strackee, Deerns, DGMR, and Studio Groen + Schild, designs LAB42 as a place that is highly flexible, energy-neutral, highly circular, and sustainable. It houses the Institute of Informatics (IVI), the Institute of Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC), the Innovation Center for Artificial Intelligence (ICAI), and entrepreneurs in the field of digital innovation and artificial intelligence (AI)

Architecture as a disassemblable and reorganizable shelving down to the smallest details

Having to accommodate a constantly evolving mix of organizations and different users, the building of LAB42 has been conceived as a disassemblable shelving that can be reorganized down to the smallest details: the main frame made of 100% recyclable steel can be modified over time, as well as the floor, facades, and dividing walls. The entire building can be adapted, reused, disassembled, and even expanded thanks to the modular design that composes it

A transparent plinth to connect the scientific and commercial worlds

Thanks to its modular grid structure, LAB42 has an open and accessible appearance: it is essential today to involve the "commercial world" and in this case it is also done by showing society the creativity and scientific innovations that take place within it. The ground floor of the building becomes a transparent plinth that showcases, among the varied mix of ceramics, photovoltaic panels, and glass, the Visualisation, Robo, and Game laboratories. Furthermore, the network of pedestrian and cycling paths of the university campus literally crosses the architectural volume

Efficient and playful. Technology and layout of spaces

In addition to being completely dismantlable, recyclable, and composed largely of recycled materials, LAB42 also produces all the energy it needs to operate: 1800 square meters of solar panels are creatively integrated into the project; the roof is covered with photovoltaic panels, solar cells are incorporated into the glass roof of the atrium, and over 330 square meters of solar panels are integrated into the design of the facade. A tank for collecting rainwater serves all sanitary facilities. Natural light and ventilation, integration with greenery, and a playful and welcoming layout of spaces allow the building to be a healthy and pleasant place for its users

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Benthem Crouwel Architects

Generaal Vetterstraat 61, 1182 DB Amsterdam, Nederland