LaCONES (Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species)

Photographs courtesy of Shirish Beri & Associates.

Project details

• Project Name: LaCONES Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species
• Client: Centre for Cell & Molecular Biology, Hyderabad; Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi; Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, New Delhi and A.P. department of forestry
• Project Type: Research institute
• Principal Designer/s: Shirish Beri
• Design Team: Sikandar Nadaph, Milind Ranadive
• Contractor/s: Shree Balaji Engineers & Contractors, Hyderabad (main civil)
• Year of commencement of project: 2003
• Year of completion of project: 2005
• Location of site: Hyderabad, India
• Site Area: part of approx. 30000 sq. mt.
• Built-up Area: 4200 sq. mt. (Phase I - main building)
• Cost of Construction/Execution: 27 Million Rupees (civil)

Photographs courtesy of Shirish Beri & Associates.

This unique laboratory set up is a joint venture between the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, New Delhi, C.C.M.B., Hyderabad and the A.P. department of forestry.

Besides basic research activities, it would have cages and exercise areas for the concerned endangered species along with in vitro fertilization facilities for them.

Photographs courtesy of Shirish Beri & Associates.

The site of approximate four acres had a very beautiful cluster of large rocks and boulders along the edge of this property. Realizing the immense design potential of these wonderful rocks, I requested the clients to acquire more land on the other side of these rocks in exchange for some of our land on the south side. It was very nice of my clients to agree with me and oblige me as well as the project with the additional land.

Photographs courtesy of Shirish Beri & Associates.

In doing so, these rocks became the focal, central arrival space with beautiful stepped landscaping.

The function of this complex prompted me to think of this building as a non building. An obliterated facade that does not create a very strong visual image of a man made building.

Photographs courtesy of Shirish Beri & Associates.

This is achieved by giving maximum facade space and importance to the arrival space with the 5 to 11 m tall rocks. An organically designed structural glazing forms a backdrop to this arrival space. The reflections of the rocks, the sky and the landscaping in this glazing further contribute to the creation of a non-facade.

The rest of the building character with the broken masonry walls is such that it further enhances the organic, non conventional ambience.

Photographs courtesy of Shirish Beri & Associates.

The wing with 5 floors is purposefully located on the lowest contours in order to hide it behind the structural glazing. The building facade is further made less conspicuous by the creation of a semi basement floor that is partially underground.

Photographs courtesy of Shirish Beri & Associates.

A separate service road from behind the building services the animal cage areas and other infrastructural activities. The exercise areas have been so located that the animals moving around there could be viewed from the laboratories and other functional areas. This would add greater meaning to the work that would be carried out here.

Photographs courtesy of Shirish Beri & Associates.

The internal reception area, coffee longe, the main circulation passage and most areas beautifully relate themselves to the rocks and the landscaping - the views dramatically changing as one moves. The laboratories are not along typically doubly loaded corridors but are spaced around a landscaped core.

Photographs courtesy of Shirish Beri & Associates.

On the whole, this architectural endeavour tries to do justice not only to the various functions that it houses but to their philosophical concerns and the physical environment as well.

Photographs courtesy of Shirish Beri & Associates.

Credits

• Text and Photographs, courtesy of Shirish Beri & Associates