Research collaboration: the rug for the latest BAM building in Adlershof, a blending of art and science.

The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) is set to move into a new state-of-the-art laboratory and office building, scheduled for completion in 2029. The new facility, known as "GBD 149," is part of a larger construction project and is being built in close proximity to research institutions and the natural sciences campus of the Humboldt University of Berlin.

The highlight of the new building is the artwork titled "Spektrum" by artist Karin Sander, which anchors terms from scientific practice in the floor, making research visible and experiential. The word carpet, made of aluminum or coloured concrete and integrated into the floor as inlays, guides visitors into the new BAM building.

The "Spektrum" artwork subtly connects the outdoor and indoor spaces of the new building, and the words on the carpet represent central activities of the BAM, such as "test", "scale", or "evaluate". The artwork serves as a reminder of the institute's role in advising the federal government, for example in the context of the energy transition.

The new building will house modern laboratories for eleven departments, workshops with crane systems, workshops, administrative offices, and service areas, designed to create optimal working conditions for over 1,500 employees. The facility adheres to the criteria of the Sustainable Building Assessment System (BNB) and aims for a silver certification.

Planned measures such as green inner courtyards, rooftop installations, and photovoltaic systems are intended to improve the urban climate and contribute to the building's energy supply. The "GBD 149" construction project will create a new research and administrative center on approximately 34,000 square meters.

The new building is being realized within the framework of an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), a contract model still relatively uncommon in Germany. The jury particularly praised the linguistic precision and formal clarity of the design, making "Spektrum" the winning entry in the Art-in-Buildings Competition.

The new BAM building is set to become a significant addition to the extensive new building on the Adlershof Science Campus, further consolidating the institute's presence in the heart of Berlin's scientific community.

Research collaboration: the rug for the latest BAM building in Adlershof, a blending of art and science.