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Bio - Genetic Research Laboratory

Part 1 Project 2008
Zaynib Khan
 Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool | UK
What is left for human evolution? Have we now reached a point in our existence whereby we can genetically modify our own race to assure survival?

By using the human genetic code and plant cell engineering in order to grow a particular mutating cell, the Bio-Genetic Laboratory promotes a vigorous and fulfilled life. Vertical plant walls, stem cell structures and artificially grown skin tissues envelope the Laboratory, forming a dialogue between the ambiguous nature of the subject matter and the botanical ambience within.

The protected, climate controlled greenhouse is a colossal of tropical wonders. An arrangement of ‘stalactite’ pipes form the irrigation system, creating sprays and humidity levels similar to that of a rainforest. Whist mutating DNA patterns appear on the façade of the greenhouse there is a translucency to the ‘haven’ space, making an apparent realisation to our state of evolution.


Zaynib Khan

Contrary to the invisibility and secrecy that surrounds the world of science, the Bio-Genetic Research Laboratory is placed at the heart of the city centre to demythify and engage the public at large as a polemical yet positive offering.

Its contrasting landscaped gateway provides diverse routes from Renshaw Street into the new urban park of the former Central Station Service yard.

The labyrinthian, sinuous layout of the Laboratory is designed to articulate a variety of experiences for users both into and around the complex in order to reflect the ambiguous world of Genetic Science – metaphorically as an urban oasis.
2008
Sunken gardens; Spaces of secrecy and retreat, the hidden gardens provide a sensuous interaction with the nature.
Journeys into the Central Station site explore the experience of arrival and departure. Introducing a ‘softer’ landscape onto Renshaw Street begins to break down the continuous linear arrangement of the existing buildings.
The site was chosen for its appealing change in level, resulting from the proposed urban park. The intentional placing of the greenhouse, inline with the axes of St. Lukes Church forms an additional vista to the Liverpool skyline.
Site Analysis: Particular influences such as overcastting shadows, sunlight direction and the effect of angular forms are explored. Level changes within the landscape are investigated.
Ground Floor Plan The form unravels with a labyrinthine quality. Vertical plant walls cast powerful shadows across the laboratory whilst the internal spaces relate to a proportional system derived from the rate of mitosis.
Lower Floor Plan The processes of human scanning and organ donation are dramatised. Stem cell walls and modified skin tissue drape the internal spaces, forming galleries of genetically modified structures. The three dimensional form of the laboratory i
Elevation Facing onto Renshaw Street, the Bio- Genetic Research Lab is a dramatic yet ambiguous form. With sheer plants walls (exploring materiality and dimension), the laboratory forms a gateway into the urban park.
Memorial Space As a memorial space to genetic scientists, the chosen retreat is set 8m below ground level; an exuberating experience for those seeking reconciliation
Sectional Perceptive through the Laboratory. A live hanging gallery of growing stem cells invigorate the user, whilst forming a sculptural piece in the main vestibule.
The Greenhouse A climate controlled greenhouse occupies all the required species of genetically modified plant. High level incubators and continuous rows of gantry passageways create a scientifically engineered rainforest within the centre of Liverpool.
Magnified view of the top level Aviary space.
The aviary captures local birds via a colossal net, hanging from the roof of the greenhouse. The birds are monitored and released unharmed, in order to investigate the effects of their diet in respect to the consumption of the genetically modified plants
The stalactite arrangement of copper pipes forms the irrigation system of the greenhouse, creating a rainfall effect with constant high levels of humidity.
The structure of the Laboratory has been formed by a matrix of vertical walls. Some of the local sandstone, reflecting the previous history of the site, and others stand as a deliberate intention to expose the current state of genetically modified creati
An 'urban oasis.'
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