Institute for Medical Genome Research, Berlin

The Max Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine (MDC) as well as the Leibniz Institute for Molecular Pharmacology (FMP) have jointly developed the new Institute for Medical Genome Research on the edge of the Berlin-Buch campus, thus creating an ultra-modern and competitive research location.

The entrance hall impresses with its open plan design of the full height of the building; it is flooded with daylight and its main focal point is a spiral staircase reaches all floors. The gentle curves of the staircase offer a stark contrast to the severe lines of the building shell, creating fantastic impressions of space.

The illumination is a sculpture and a light source at the same time. The unshielded pendant luminaires made of hand-blown opal glass play around the staircase like a mobile. The plasticity of the opal glass also functions during the day, when the light is switched off. The spherical shapes evoke mental associations with the research mandate and conjure up smiles on the faces of visitors as well as staff.


Client Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Leibniz Institute for Molecular Pharmacology, Berlin

Project planning Staab-Architekten, Berlin

Lighting design Staab-Architekten, Berlin

Electrical planning Scholze Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH, Berlin

Electrical installation LIWA, Berlin



Products used