On 30 June 1905 Albert Einstein published his theory of special relativity, which explains the connection between time and space using the famous equation E = mc². Numerous aspects of this theory have been confirmed in experiments at the Centre Européen pour la Récherche Nucleaire (CERN). Situated near Geneva, the research institute is home to the particle accelerator Large Hadron Collider (LHC). This has raised its global profile – together with the fact that a British scientist also invented the World Wide Web here.

A new building is now being constructed at CERN’s Prévessin campus, on the French side of the border. Named B777, it has several special features. These range from the use of timber as a renewable building material to the parametric design of the facade which minimizes direct sunlight at midday and therefore saves energy. The architects at Danish studio Henning Larsen have created a striking, round construction that is comprehensively low-emission and climate-friendly.

A nature-inclusive highlight

The CERN research centre straddles the border of Switzerland and France. Since it was founded in 1952, it has served as the European epicentre of scientific innovation. Taking a similar approach to Danone’s new research centre In’Cube to the south-west of Paris, B777 has little in common with the buttoned-up inaccessibility of conventional industry and research buildings. Rather, it will be a new build that reflects the CERN mission, which is to bring scientists together on a common search for knowledge.

Its open, circular form responds to this aspiration together with the recognizable commission of creating an attractive, nature-inclusive place where researchers like to work together. Describing the design, Henning Larsen’s Design Director Europe Søren Øllgaard explains: “Our vision is to craft a dynamic workspace at the heart of nature – a place where well-being, collaboration and knowledge thrive. It’s not just an ordinary office; the circular design serves as a symbolic marker, creating a cultural hub and amenity centre for the entire campus.”

Feel-good architecture as new mantra

Overall, the new research building presents 13,000 square metres of space for offices, laboratories and workshops, which are dominated by natural wood surfaces and plenty of daylight. Instead of the windowless corridors so typical of research institutes in earlier days, the building’s spatial concept is open and transparent. The soft feel of the wood automatically conjures up a feeling of comfort. In current times, when talented professionals are sought after in the fight for the best employees, feel-good architecture is turning into the new mantra.

At the entrance to the building, a light-filled atrium opens up across all four storeys and enables the whole building to be viewed at a single glance. Timber stairs connect the individual floors, bridges soar high above the ground floor and create short routes and fascinating sightlines. Despite the sheer size of this atrium, it has a decidedly cosy feeling with rustic stone floor and warm wooden finish. Describing the aim of the design, the studio Henning Larsen comments: “This innovative space is imagined as a home away from home for employees.”

There is a simple reason why hospitality areas are becoming ever more important when new office buildings are developed. They persuade people to leave their office cells, and in times of increasing digitalization they provide an environment for unplanned, informal interaction. Nowadays, we know that such coincidental meetings are at least as important for the success of projects as focused working in a quiet room. It is an approach that is also known as the serendipity principle.

Working in greenery

The greened courtyard at B777 is open and free-flowing, and therefore provides a sheltered space with pleasant temperatures throughout the year. Henning Larsen’s architects were inspired by the surrounding area: “Drawing inspiration from the protected plazas at the heart of nearby Alpine villages, the central courtyard of the building will offer an optimized microclimate tailored to location conditions.”

With its openings on two sides, the courtyard acts like a green link – stretching between a small woodland area on one side of the building and a park on the other – that promotes biodiversity. Floor-to-ceiling glazing on all sides creates a connection between interior and exterior. Informal meeting zones in the fresh air extend the office space outside and enable outdoor working amongst greenery when the weather is pleasant.

Nature as an antidote to stress

Biophilic architecture is the new buzzword when it comes to stimulating the creativity of employees and boosting their mental health. Only recently, ecologist MaryCarol Hunter and her team at the University of Michigan were able to prove that just 20 minutes spent in green space significantly reduces the level of stress hormones. Which means that looking out of your office across a green landscape could ideally even benefit your health.

Albert Einstein himself was already aware that the world of nature is hugely important for insight and discovery. As he remarked: “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

Text: Gertraud Gerst
Translation: Rosemary Bridger-Lippe
Visualizations: Vivid-Vision