African Design Magazine ADM #38 March 2018 | Page 26

GENOME RESEARCH CENTRE
logistical nightmare, with critical samples
often delayed in transit.
Professor Happi, together with Dr
Sabeti, envisioned the establishment of
a platform where scientists from both
Africa as well as other countries, could
learn about genomics and translate this
knowledge into the tools which could
facilitate the control and eradication
of infectious disease on the African
continent.
An evolving design brief
Sabeti’s ongoing professional
relationship with the MASS Design Group
in Boston, USA, led to a collaborative
partnership that saw the embryonic
development of a research facility that
will be completely unique in the African
context.
The 1 300 m 2 building is being
constructed on two levels. The first level
hosts offices, classrooms, and a gallery
and entry space. The sensitive labs
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AFRICAN DESIGN MAGAZINE ©
are located on the second floor with
controlled access. By splitting up the
programme this way, the labs remain
secure while encouraging the exchange
of ideas between scientists as well as
between scientists and visitors as they
pass from the more public ground floor
to the more secure upper lab floor.
“By situating classrooms next to offices
and labs next to public spaces, not only
will this result in casual interactions
which could ultimately encourage
knowledge downloads, but it also
provides traditionally desk-bound
scientists with an opportunity to be
refreshed by enjoying the environment
and views from the courtyard and upper
decks” says MASS architect
Caroline Alsup.
Designed in collaboration
with the Broad Institute,
one of the world’s first and
largest genome centres, the
building houses three high-