Think Tank: Science and Technology Incubator

Abstract

Science and Technology play a leading role in a society's development and growth. Its influence in our smallest of acts to the biggest of innovations and most of all, its impact in architecture cannot be denied. In the past Entire cities have been built around nodes of technological innovations e.g. Silicon Valley and they have contributed greatly to the future urban development of the region. The Emergence of high-tech industries which solely relies upon innovation has brought the awareness of the spatial proximity of industry, research institutes and universities. My research goal would be understand and explore the concepts of Learn and work in a domain where they intersect with each other and result in the formation of a more effective culture for research, innovation and learning. This thesis will study how scientific research and technological innovation environments should be designed; specifically addressing the issues beyond mere needs of research scientists and tech specialists. What is missing from the research institutes of today is an integral environment where students and researchers learn from more than just the textbooks. What is missing from their work spaces of today is an effective work culture which promotes an integral environment of learning and working at the same time. The thesis will study the role of architecture in bringing together research, technology and innovation opportunities together though an Architecture of Permeability. Assuming that the purpose of research is to create new knowledge and foster discoveries, as well as positively influence the community in its processes and results, this thesis will explore the potential of the influence of this building typology that has previously been ignored to a large extent. What kind of environment nurtures the growth of experimentation and innovation? The question is, beyond support, can incubator architecture promote and nurture science and technology and enlighten its stake holders towards a new understanding of scientific activities? Based on this research, it is assumed that discoveries and innovations happen in spaces which are permeable and dynamically flexible. The ultimate goal is the creation of an incubated co-work environment which allows an appropriate level of public activity and provides safe and secure spaces for learning, imagining and creating. The weaving of public through private will explore the potential realms of bridging the gap that exists between the parameters of Live and Work within the precincts of Sci-tech research and innovation. The architecture of research facilities and adjoining work-places must provide a healthy environment of learning for its inhabitants, one which allows them to grow, learn, create and conceive. The most effective examples include the Googleplex building in Mountain View, CA.