Taiwan’s Beautiful Bioshell Center for Disease Control

Inspired by the elegant form of the Nautilus Shell, the Taiwan Center for Disease Control’s BioLab conceals a dangerous riddle within its outer skin. Usually only visible to the naked eye, the structure of the outer skin is laced with geometric patterns that represent the four symbols of the DNA sequence of the dangerous bacteria being studied within. If you’re not in awe of the structure itself, you may catch on to the message that Taiwan is trying to deliver: “Epidemic prevention is a war that we intend to win”.

A joint project by Manfredi Nicoletti and Arco Architects & Designers, the design has received an honorable mention in a competition to design a new center for disease control located in the Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park in Hsinchu County. The twin nautilus shell structures are surrounded by a rolling green-roofed complex that provides insulation while blending the project in with its surrounding environment. A large central atrium suffuses the interiors with light, and the biolab’s beautiful facade acts as a brise-soleil that helps to regulate interior climate while allowing light to filter through.

Although it is unclear whether or not anyone will truly see the pathogenic code hidden in the structure’s exterior, the nature of the bioshell goes to show that beauty lies in even the most destructive forms of nature.

+ Manfredi Nicoletti

+ Arco Architects & Designers

Via World Architecture News






by Evelyn Lee
April 29, 2009