The pRED Innovation Center is a state-of-the-art research facility dedicated to the discovery and development of groundbreaking medicines. It replaces older research and development buildings that could no longer meet the latest technological and scientific demands. This renewal provided Roche with an opportunity to establish new standards in research infrastructure. It provides a net area of 58’900 m2 (GFA 98’100 m2) through 4 interconnected buildings, up to 25 floors above ground and 6 floors underground (with space for 900 cars).
The complex includes 2 high rise buildings (72 and 114 m high) with 42 flexible lab & office floors, 1 office building, (27m high), with 5 office floors and 1 convention center (18m heigh), with auditorium, class- & meeting rooms and offices on 4 levels.
Additional assets distributed in the 4 buildings are 2 restaurants and 1 project/event floor.
The primary goals of the pRED Center are to create an inspiring and innovation-promoting work environment that fosters communication and collaboration, offering flexibility in adapting to changes in research areas and digitalization. It aims to become a source of pride and a home for 1’800 researchers through its atmosphere and quality.
Buildings 6 and 7 are two of the tallest high-rise laboratory buildings globally, each divided into interconnected three-floor units, so called “neighborhoods”. These neighborhoods create smaller, manageable research biotopes for around 140 scientists from various disciplines. The laboratories are highly flexible, allowing them to be quickly adapted to researchers’ needs. The north side of the floors are dedicated to open-space laboratories, the south side to office zones.
Building 5 as an office building offers a variety of different work opportunities through a modern office concept. Building 4 serves as a meeting and convention center. The ground-floor auditorium can accommodate 200 people for lectures, presentations, conferences, seminars, and banquets.
A crucial element for a successful research environment is fostering an identity-forming “campus feeling”. This is achieved through several features, e.g.:
- The “Avenue” connects all four buildings on the ground level, creating a central hub for interaction. The open avenue is landscaped and features modern art, with open stairwells and windows providing optimal natural light.
- The “Science Square”, an attractive green outdoor area adjacent to the buildings, offers various seating areas under trees for employees to relax. A typical Basel Basilisk fountain serves as a visual highlight.
- Two sky bridges connect buildings 6 and 7 on the 6th and 13th floors, further enhancing interconnection and exchange.
- An underground parking for 1’300 bicycles.
These elements collectively create an open and transparent work environment that encourages communication, collaboration, and innovation.
Architects: Herzog & de Meuron, Basel, 2024
General Planner: Drees & Sommer
