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Located in the Bajio, Mexico’s breadbasket, the National Laboratory of Genomics is an extension of the Institute of Agricultural Studies. The location and geology of the site—an empty field with a fault line deep below—gave rise to the metaphor that defines the form of the building: an inscribed line divides the program in half, with the laboratories on one side and the administrative and auditorium spaces on the other, and also delineates the public areas. This constructed fault line forms an intimate civic space that connects the different programs.


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National Laboratory of Genomics


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National Laboratory of Genomics


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National Laboratory of Genomics


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National Laboratory of Genomics


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National Laboratory of Genomics

The project is nestled into a built-up artificial topography, a new terrain that manifests the nature of the work inside the institution. The laboratories are absorbed into the site, evident predominantly as a series of terraces that modulate transitions between interior and exterior, lab and field. Voids cut into the landscape create secluded patios, bringing light into the building. The embedded laboratories provide private and isolated spaces for research and also insulated and easily controlled environments for testing. In contrast, the administrative and auditorium spaces assert the presence of the technical and the social.


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National Laboratory of Genomics


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National Laboratory of Genomics


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National Laboratory of Genomics


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National Laboratory of Genomics


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National Laboratory of Genomics


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National Laboratory of Genomics

The transparency and precision of the facades bring the landscape into the building, yet the contrast between structure and surroundings is an uncompromising reminder of the role of engineering and high technology in the study of genomics. The almost camouflaged effect of the entire project gently integrates building and site; at the same time, it lends an air of intrigue to the activities within.


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Site plan


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Floor plan - Level 1


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Floor plan - Level 3


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Floor plan - Level 5


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Section


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Section


Enrique Norten, Hon. FAIA

Enrique Norten, Hon. FAIA was born in Mexico City where he graduated from the Universidad Iberoamericana with a degree in architecture in 1978. He obtained a Master of Architecture from Cornell University in 1980.

In 1986 he founded TEN Arquitectos [Taller de Enrique Norten] in Mexico City, initiating a lifelong commitment to Architecture and Design. TEN Arquitectos seamlessly engages a multitude of scales and typologies, including furniture design; single-family houses; residential, cultural and institutional buildings; as well as landscape and master planning.

Projects such as the National School of Theater at the National Center of the Arts, Mexico City; Televisa Mixed Use Building, Mexico City [1st Prize “Mies Van Der Rohe Pavilion” of Latin American Architecture, Barcelona, Spain, 1998]; and Hotel HABITA, Mexico City [“Latin American Building of the Year” World Architecture Awards / RIBA, London 2002; Business Week / Architectural Record Awards and AIA NY Chapter Award 2003] established the firm as a leader in contemporary architecture.

Under Norten’s leadership and vision, the firm reached international stature when it opened a New York office in 2003. Since then, TEN Arquitectos has grown to over 70 members, working on a diverse array of award winning and acclaimed architectural projects.

Current commissions include the Guggenheim Museum Guadalajara [Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico]; Xochimilco Master Plan and Aquarium [Mexico City]; a new vision for Rutgers University’s College Avenue Campus and Livingston Campus [New Brunswick, NJ] and a plan for the recovery of a 4.5-mile stretch of the New Orleans Riverfront [New Orleans, LA].

Construction is underway for the Chopo Museum [Mexico City]; the National Laboratory of Genomics [Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico]; Cassa Residential Building at 45th Street [New York, NY]; High Line Hotel [New York, NY]; 580 Carroll Street Residential Building [Brookly, NY] and the 1.3 million sf Clinton Park [New York, NY]; in addition to the recently completed One York Residential Building [New York, NY].

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